POSTED: May 19th 2011
NewsUpdate
Woodward decides to snub rugby return and stick with British Olympics role
KEIR RADNEDGE / Sports Features Communications
LONDON, May 19: The British Olympic Association breathed a huge collective sigh of relief today - and probably so did several individuals within the Rugby Football Union - after Sir Clive Woodward ended speculation over his sporting ambitions and future.
Woodward, who led England to Rugby World Cup glory in 2003 before flirting with football at Southampton and then joining the BOA, has turned down the opportunity to consider a return to rugby union in a newly-defined role as performance director.
Woodward had been favourite for a post - whose terms were twice redrafted at haste - which had been created by RFU chief executive John Steele's recent restructuring plan. This means Woodward can focus on London 2012 in his role as the BOA's director of sport and Team GB deputy chef de mission.
In a statement released by the BOA, Woodward revealed he had participated in "informal conversations" with RFU "senior figures" with the full knowledge of chairman Lord Colin Moynihan and chief executive Andy Hunt.
But he also confirmed he would not be attending interviews relating to the performance's director position.
Woodward said: "Since the Rugby Football Union announced its restructuring plan late last year, there has been considerable speculation that I might return to the RFU. With the full knowledge of Colin Moynihan and Andy Hunt, I have had informal conversations regarding the role of performance director with senior figures at the RFU.
"However, I have not participated in a formal interview for this position at any stage in the RFU process.
"From the outset I made it clear to both Colin and Andy that I would only attend a formal interview with their full knowledge. I would like to express my thanks for their understanding over this situation, and also for their considered views which have been greatly appreciated.
'Totally committed'
"To prevent any further speculation, and in the interests of the both the BOA and RFU, I would like to formally confirm that I will not be attending any interviews for this position."
Woodward added: "I am totally committed to my role as director of sport at the British Olympic Association and deputy chef de mission for Team GB in London 2012. We have an historic opportunity ahead, when more than 500 of Britain's most accomplished Olympic athletes will represent Team GB, at home, in the London 2012 Games.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Martin Johnson, his coaching team and all of his players every success, but especially for this year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand."
The prospect of Woodward's return to the RFA was understood to have displeased several senior figures who, privately, will have welcomed his words - as did both Moynihan and Hunt.
Moynihan said: "Clive's decision to forgo possible opportunities with the RFU and remain with the British Olympic Association is welcome news for Team GB.
"As we work to provide British athletes and their NGBs with the highest levels of service and support in connection with their participation in major international Games, the work Clive and his sport team are doing is critical.
"British athletes can be confident in knowing that Clive and his team are working in close partnership with performance directors, coaches and other leaders throughout British sport to find and deliver the crucial, difference-making innovations and services that will help underpin their continued success in the international arena."
Hunt added: "We are now in the critical phase of our planning and preparation for Team GB in London 2012 and I am delighted to know Clive will continue making important contributions. Clive understands exactly what it takes to deliver under intense pressure.
"He has been successful in converting years of planning and preparation into success on the field of play. He is a highly-respected voice in our preparation, and I am proud to have him as a member of our team and as one of our deputy chefs de mission."
Keywords · Woodward · RFU · BOA · London 2012 · British Olympic Association
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