Rob Andrew

Rob Andrew , born the February 18th 1963 with Richmond, is a player of Rugby English, evolving/moving at the station of half of opening.

It is one of the most discussed players history of English Rugby. Criticized for a play privileging the play with the foot, and for a rate of success not statisfaisant with the eyes of its detractors, it was even named like the " worse player having ever represented Angleterre" by a former captain of the XV of the Rose. However, it is a formidable defender and he works hard his weak points: he will become thus one of the players essential of the era of the captain Will Carling at the end of the Eighties and beginning of the year 90. For its beginnings against the Romania, it marks 18 points, a record for its first selection. Although it is the titular opener until the World cup of Rugby 1987, it disputes there only 2 matches of which one as a substitute.

In autumn 1988, although it is had a presentiment of to become captain of XV English, Will Carling is preferred to him. This one starts with a great victory against the team of Australia to Twickenham.

In 1989, after the first disillusion following its nonselection for the Lions, it forms finally part of the round in Australia while replacing of a casualty. After a first defeat, it takes part largely in the victory in the second by his play with the foot which moves away the threat Michael Lynagh. Victory 19-18 in 3rd gives the victory in the series and a new prestige in England. At the time of the Five Nations tournament according to, in 1990, the Grand Slam is played at the time of the last match between the 2 applicants with the victory with Murrayfield. Finally the XV Scot of Gavin Hastings gains the match and the large slam.

England takes its revenge with two large slams at the time of the 2 following editions. Meanwhile, the World cup of Rugby 1991 is held partly in residence. Although favorites, English lose there their first match against the Blacks. However, they reach the final, beaten by the Australian ones of Nick Farr-Jones.

In spite of the loss of its place of opener in England, it again makes to part of the squad Lions in 1993 in New Zealand where it disputes there 2 new tests for a defeat in the series by 2 to 1. He becomes then the titular striker of XV English after having worked much on his technique. He immédiatemement proves his new qualities at the time of a round in South Africa where he marks 27 points during the first victorious test against the Boks with Pretoria. The tournament 1995 sees England joining again with the large slam. The World cup which follows to South Africa sees English failing in semi-final, struck by Blacks of some Jonah Lomu.

It will rejouera with XV English only once 2 years later at the time of a match of the tournament against the Welsh. Finally, when it takes its international retreat, it holds a great number of records, like the record of points marked by English in test match, the world records of drops marked (21) in test match, the record of the number of points marked in a test match (30, record divided with Didier Camberabero) and in a match of the tournament of the 5 nations (24, in 1995).

In 1995, it will carry out one season (not very convincing) with the opening to the Stade Toulousain.

Later, it took in hands the destinies of its club of Newcastle Falcons leading it to a title of champion in 1998. He becomes also the mentor of Jonny Wilkinson which will dispossess it in 2003 of its record of point marked for XV English.

Prize list

Finalist of the World cup of Rugby 1991
Large Slam of the Five Nations tournament 1991, 1992, 1995
71 selections including 2 as a captain between 1985 and 1997
396 points in tests matches
2 tests in test matches
5 selections with the Lions

External bonds

Statistical on Rob Andrew, sporting-heroes.net
Card of Rob Andrew, on sporting-heroes.net

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