Robinson has been handed a four-year contract which will incorporate Englands 2007 World Cup defence as successor to Sir Clive Woodward.

Wilkinson, who was appointed England captain by Robinson last week, has welcomed the former Bath captains appointment.

Andy is an outstanding coach and an incredible leader, said Wilkinson, who will skipper England in their autumn series opener against Canada at Twickenham on November 13.

He brings so much experience and commitment to the job and I know that I speak for the whole of the England squad when I say we are thrilled he will be in charge.

He commands respect from the pitch and in the England changing room, and there is not a player I know who doesnt want to give him 100%.

We have some challenging and exciting times ahead, and as England captain I look forward to working with Andy as my head coach.

Robinson was handed the reins - upgraded from caretaker to full-time head coach - within 24 hours of being interviewed for the job.

A four-man panel, including three former England captains, unanimously recommended to the Rugby Football Union management board that he was the right man for the job.

Andy Robinsons determination and commitment can never be doubted. He has an insatiable appetite for hard work, said RFU Club England committee chairman John Spencer, who was joined on the interview panel by Bill Beaumont, Fran Cotton and RFU performance director Chris Spice.

England has the right man as head coach, a strong man of astute and independent judgement. The game can have absolute confidence in his experience and desire to produce the best during a very demanding development period.

Robinson joined Woodwards England coaching staff in June 2000 and played a key role in maximising the World Cup triumph last November.

When Woodward quit six weeks ago, Robinson was given acting control, although he was the only realistic candidate to replace Woodward on a full-time basis.

My challenge now is the next era, and to ensure the World Cup remains at Twickenham in 2007, said Robinson, acutely aware that no other country has retained the Webb Ellis Trophy.

It is a huge task ahead for all of us, and one I am excited about leading. I expect every rugby coach in England aspires to coaching their country one day, and I feel honoured to have this opportunity.

Clive set a standard for all of us to follow. His successful record at the helm, culminating in us winning the World Cup last year, was unique and very special. It was my privilege, as his assistant coach, to be part of that achievement.

Robinsons coaching achievements include that World Cup triumph, RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam and European Cup glory, the latter achieved when Bath, against all odds, beat defending European champions Brive in Bordeaux six years ago.

After linking up with Woodward, England went on to win 41 out of 50 Tests, boasting an 82% success rate and the scalps - home and away - of every major nation in world rugby.