Former England coach Sir Clive Woodward has given his backing to former assistant Andy Robinson to take over from him on a full-time basis. Robinson took temporary charge of the team following Sir Clive's resignation and he says the former Bath player is his obvious replacement.
"He deserves it as we've been four years grooming him. He's ready for it," he told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek.
"He'll move things forward his way. The team's in great hands if he gets it."
Although Woodward said he was hugely proud of what he had achieved in seven years with England, he felt it was time for a new person to lead the team.
"I've always thought Andy would get it - everything's in place, so it's time for a new guy to take the team forward and work within the system that he's been given," he said.
"A whole load of players will be glad I'm not there any more.
 |  The Lions is everything to me, it's a very small marker behind winning the World Cup |
"I've not picked them because you do have your favourites, you do have your opinions on players, so it's time for a new guy to come in." Woodward's departure from the England post coincided with rumours of a coaching role at Southampton Football Club.
He said coaching next summer's British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand was his sole target for the time being, but admitted his future after that was undecided.
"My whole job for the next 12 months is the Lions, Football's not going to come into my mindset professionally," he said.
"The Lions is everything to me, it's a very small marker behind winning the World Cup.
"After the Lions, I will be working in some other sport, I think the skills I've got I can take into another sport - I've got a huge amount I can learn.
"I'm a professional coach. I'm looking forward, but after a year's time, I really don't know."
He admitted having spent time observing coaching techniques at Southampton, but did not say football was necessarily where his future lay.
"To be a professional coach you're very lucky - to be in the changing room and have the adrenalin rush, that's why you coach.
"It's not time for me to hang up my boots and walk away but you can't take any short cuts, people will know quickly whether or not you can do it.
"I'd like to have that opportunity - after the Lions tour is over."
MMIX
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