Robinson falls on his sword
Andy Robinson has walked out on Scotland in the wake of his team's humiliating 15-21 defeat by Tonga.
Robinson made the announcement on Sunday and said his decision to step down from the role as head coach of the Scotland's national team is "with immediate effect".
"It's been a privilege to be the head coach of Scotland and I'd like to thanks the fans, players, coaches and staff for all their support over the years," Robinson said in a statement.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the players and the coaches in the last few years.
"I believe I have left the team in a better position than when I took over and have great confidence in the players and the coaches for the future.
"I am very disappointed by our recent results but I have belief in the players to develop into a winning team."
Scottish Rugby's Chief Executive, Mark Dodson stated: "Following the sequence of recent results during the year-end Tests a change in head coach is required to take the team forward and build towards the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
"I have passed onto Andy Scottish Rugby's thanks for his hard work and commitment during his term as national coach.
"Andy has overseen some fine results as Scotland head coach since he was appointed in June 2009 but the recent defeats have been very disappointing.
"Andy is an outstanding leader and a fine coach and we wish him well.
"I'd like to thank our fans for their great support during the Autumn Tests and look forward to welcoming them to Murrayfield for the home games against Italy, Ireland and Wales in the 2013 Six Nations."
Scottish Rugby will begin the recruitment process for a new head coach with immediate effect.
The defeat against Tonga followed two other year-end Test defeats against New Zealand and South Africa at Murrayfield, no disgrace considering that pair's lofty rankings.
However, the home defeat by the team from the South Pacific was the final straw for Robinson, who had been in charge of the national team for three-and-a-half years.
After the match he spent 10 minutes in discussion at the side of the pitch with Mark Dodson, Scottish Rugby's chief executive.
The Englishman had been under contract until after the 2015 World Cup, but the loss to the Tongans in Aberdeen meant that the Scots had lost 10 of their last 13 matches, including elimination from the World Cup at the group phase for the first time.
Robinson was given a vote of confidence after the early World Cup exit in New Zealand, but despite high hopes Scotland slumped to a wooden spoon in the Six Nations, losing all five games.
There then followed encouragement in the form of wins on the June tour to Australia, Fiji and Samoa, but a 22-51 loss to New Zealand, a 10-21 reverse to South Africa and the Tonga debacle leaves Scotland a lowly 12th in the world rankings.
The defeat against Tonga was especially galling for Robinson, who struggled to contain his emotions at his post-match press conference,
"That was totally unacceptable out there. I am very angry – I apologise to all Scotland fans," he said.
