01/09/2004

Sir Clive to quit as England rugby coach: reports

The English Rugby Football Union (RFU) has suffered its second devastating blow in 24 hours following Sir Clive Woodward's decision to quit as team coach, according to reports.

Yesterday it was Lawrence Dallaglio's shock retirement from international rugby – today the BBC has reported that the England rugby coach will confirm his resignation to the RFU board this afternoon.

According to the BBC, Sir Clive has expressed a desire to make a go of coaching in football. Media speculation has singled out Southampton as the most likely destination for the 48-year-old should he choose to switch sports.

If reports are confirmed later this afternoon, Sir Clive will walk away from Twickenham as England's most successful coach. After taking over from Jack Rowell in 1997, Sir Clive has steered the national side to World Cup glory and, after going close on several occasion, finally scooped for England the Grand Slam in 2003.

Woodward is still expected to lead the British Lions to New Zealand next year whatever the outcome of today's meeting.

(gmcg/sp)

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