Clive Woodward

Sir Clive Ronald Woodward, KBE (born 6 January 1956 at Ely in Cambridgeshire) is a former English rugby union international who was the coach of the England rugby union team from 1997 to 2004. Woodward managed the England side to victory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Coaching career

He returned to the UK in 1990 where he became coach of the then obscure Henley who he got promoted to the national leagues. After a short but successful spell of coaching at London Irish, he became assistant coach at the Tigers' arch enemies Bath under Andy Robinson. When Jack Rowell retired as coach of the England team in 1997, Woodward acquired the job almost by default.

Related Topics:
London Irish - Bath - Andy Robinson - Jack Rowell

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He had the job of transforming the England side from the amateur era into the professional one. He would admit that he made many mistakes in doing so, but attention to detail and gains in experience. Having been misquoted as requesting that the press judge him on England's performance at the 1999 World Cup when they crashed out to South Africa and Jannie de Beer's drop goals, his job was questioned. The team developed and subsequently won a Grand Slam in 2003 followed by the 2003 World Cup, beating the reigning champions Australia in the final. He was knighted (KBE) in the 2004 New Year's honours.

Related Topics:
1999 World Cup - Jannie de Beer - Drop goal - 2003 World Cup - Australia - Knighted - KBE - New Year's - Honours

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After the 2003 RWC, England came third in the 2004 RBS Six Nations (behind Grand Slam winners France and Triple Crown winners Ireland). His last tour as England coach came shortly afterwards, with an ill-fated tour of New Zealand and Australia. England were demolished by the All Blacks in two tests, going down 36-3 in the first and 36-12 in the second. England were beaten without scoring a single try. The team then went to Australia, where they were beaten 51-15.

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He was subsequently hired to manage the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

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