Woodward receives backing to lead Lions

Lions management: Clive Woodward's position as coach of the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand next summer was last night given the green light.

World Cup winner Woodward resigned as England head coach last week amid rumours of a coaching or managerial move to soccer, which in turn prompted speculation about his role with the Lions.

Woodward was initially appointed to the coveted Lions post seven months ago and his position received a ringing endorsement at a meeting of the Lions committee in Dublin last night.

Woodward has insisted he will not take up any other job until after the three-Test trip to New Zealand ends next July.

And with Woodward having no further England commitments, he is free to spend the entire season planning and preparing for the 11-match expedition.

Lions committee chairman Bill Beaumont, who will also be tour manager next year, said: "We thought it important to meet with Clive and the other members of the committee following the events of last week.

"This we have done and the committee continues to be fully committed to the appointment made earlier this year. Clive is the most qualified man to coach the Lions and will be taking the squad to New Zealand next summer.

"He has assured not only myself on a number of occasions but again this evening to the committee that his commitment to the Lions is absolute."

Woodward himself reiterated his desire to lead a successful Lions tour. He said: "My complete focus is the Lions for the next nine months - there are no distractions either from within rugby or outside it.

"I am totally committed to the task of planning and delivering a programme that provides the players with the best possible chance of winning the Test series in New Zealand.

"After the Rugby World Cup, a successful British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand is the greatest challenge to face a rugby coach.

"In order to achieve this I will need to constantly involve not just the players but their clubs and provinces, whose support will be vital for the success of the tour."

Woodward also received the backing of the representatives from each of the national unions comprising the committee.

Noel Murphy of the IRFU said: "No one doubts the preparation that will be needed to face the challenges that await the Lions in New Zealand.

"This process began with the appointment of Clive in February, and he has reinforced to the committee in person that he will not be taking on any other working commitments until the completion of what we hope will be an outstandingly successful British and Irish Lions tour."

The Lions will play an extra match, against Auckland, on July 5th between the second Test in Wellington and the final Test at Eden Park.