“Andy Robinson Reflects on Coaching Resilience and Rivalry Ahead of Bath vs. Bristol Derby”

**Andy Robinson: ‘Yes, there have been a few high-profile sackings, but it’s all about small margins’** Former England and Scotland coach Andy Robinson is back at Bath, where his coaching journey began, and his competitive spirit remains as strong as ever as Bristol prepares to visit. Few people are as well-equipped to discuss the ups and downs of high-level coaching as Robinson. Two decades ago, he was appointed as England’s head coach, already boasting a World Cup winners’ medal and an OBE. The past twenty years have shown that success in sports hinges on timing and resilience, not just on talent and resources. Sitting across from me in a café in downtown Bath, Robinson reflects on his extensive career. He has experienced the highs and lows of coaching, having been appointed and dismissed from three international roles with England, Scotland, and Romania. He has also led two prestigious clubs, Bath and Bristol, yet his passion for the game remains undiminished. At 60 years old, he sips his black coffee, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. As he prepares for Saturday’s West Country derby—a rivalry that has spanned 136 years—he recalls with pride that he has never lost a league or cup match against Bristol, whether as a player or a coach.