Clive Woodward

About

Sir Clive is one of rugby’s all-time greatest players and personalities. He was also the coach of the England team from 1997 to 2004, managing them to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Clive Woodward (Sir Clive Ronald Woodward OBE) played as a centre for Leicester from 1979 to 1985. He made his England debut against Ireland on 19 January 1980, as a replacement and went on to gain 21 caps for his country, playing his last game on 17 March 1984 against Wales.

He was a member of the 1980 British Lions tour to South Africa and 1983 British Lions tour to New Zealand.

Clive became assistant coach at Leicester’s arch rivals Bath under Andy Robinson, and when Jack Rowell retired as coach of the England team in 1997, Woodward acquired the job. The team developed and subsequently won a Grand Slam in 2003 followed by the 2003 Rugby World Cup, beating the reigning champions Australia in the final. He was knighted in the 2004 New Year’s honours.

In February 2004 he was appointed Head Coach for the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

On 6 September 2006 it was announced that Woodward would be returning to sport as the new director of elite performance for the British Olympic Association.

Woodward released his autobiography, Winning!, in 2004. He writes of the triumph of England in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, the preparations and celebrations, and of his personal life, his playing and coaching career.

At the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games Clive Woodward acted as Deputy Chef de Mission and undertook a review of practices at the games in preparation for London 2012.

Woodward is an Honorary President of the Wooden Spoon Society, a children’s charity that harnesses the support of the rugby world.

Sir Clive has also played in the annual Gary Player Invitational charity golf tournament to assist golf icon Gary Player raise funds for various children’s causes.

On 24 October 2011, Woodward was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame

One of the most respected figures in Rugby, Clive Woodward is in demand as an after dinner speaker for his rugby anecdotes and memories.