Robinson faces swift punishment

Andy Robinson could know in the next couple of days whether he will be punished for criticising South African referee Jonathan Kaplan.

As reported in yesterday's Standard Sport, Rugby Football Union disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett is to investigate comments made by the England coach after the world champions' 19-13 Six Nations defeat against Ireland in Dublin last Sunday.

International Rugby Board chiefs and Six Nations officials have agreed that an investigation - and possible action - should be the RFU's responsibility. And that might see Robinson, whose team have lost all three Six Nations games this season, facing a disrepute charge.

The possible outcome of that is a fine and touchline ban, meaning that England could face their remaining Six Nations opponents Italy and Scotland without their coach's match-day input.

Robinson could not conceal his frustration during postmatch interviews, while he was quoted in a national newspaper as claiming that "only one side was refereed".