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Andy Robinson, sacked by England after a torrid two years in the shadow of Clive Woodward, has taken on an even tougher task after being named as Scotland coach.

The Scottish Rugby Union announced the appointment at a news conference at Murrayfield, following the departure of Frank Hadden in April after four years in the job.

Robinson, highly successful with Bath as a player and coach, was assistant to Woodward when England won the 2003 World Cup.

The 45-year-old former flanker succeeded him in 2004 but was sacked after two years having overseen 13 defeats in 22 games in charge.

In 2007 Robinson took over at Edinburgh and, after also working with the Scotland A team, beat off competition from former Springbok coach Jake White and ex-Australia coach Eddie Jones for the national team job.

"I have enjoyed being part of the national and A team set-up in Scotland in the past two seasons and working with the players has fuelled my optimism," Robinson said.

"I am confident that I can take them and the national team onto bigger and better things.

"With the World Cup in New Zealand in 2011, I believe we have a crop of players who can really challenge the world's best and preparation for that starts now."

Scottish Rugby chief executive Gordon McKie said: "Andy has been part of the Scottish rugby family for the past two years and has brought success both to Edinburgh Rugby, with their highest ever Magners League finish in successive seasons, and has also guided the Scotland A team to notable successes.

"He has a well established relationship with many of the Scotland players and has an understanding of professional rugby at the highest level."

However, Robinson faces a formidable task to restore Scotland's fortunes.

Short of top-class talent, they have won just one match in each of the last three Six Nations tournaments.

After leading Scotland A in the Nations Cup in Romania next week, Robinson will switch his attention to the senior team and his first games in charge will be the home November internationals against Fiji, Australia and Argentina.

Factbox on Scotland's new coach Andy Robinson.

* Born April 3, 1964, in Taunton, Somerset, England.

PLAYING CAREER

* Joined Bath in 1986 as a flanker and two years later made his international debut for England.

* Part of the team that won six league titles between 1989-96, in his first season as captain he led Bath to a league and cup double.

* Ended his international career in 1995 having played eight times.

LIFE AS A COACH

* When Brian Ashton resigned as Bath head coach in 1997, Robinson took over. Was soon joined by Clive Woodward.

* Tasted instant success, taking Bath to Heineken Cup glory in 1998 by narrowly beating French outfit Brive 19-18.

* Was elevated to England assistant coach under Woodward.

* Toured Australia in 2001 as assistant coach with the British and Irish Lions.

* Visited Australia two years later as Woodward's assistant and England walked away with the World Cup trophy after an epic final against the hosts.

* Following Woodward's resignation in 2004, Robinson was named England coach.

* After a disastrous two years with England still suffering a 2003 World Cup hangover, Robinson was sacked in November 2006.

* Under a year later found work with Edinburgh and guided them to second in the Magners League this year.

* Applied to be Scotland coach in April after Frank Hadden resigned.

* Appointed Scotland manager on June 4.

PA Sport