Dallaglio backs Woodward plans

LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO fully supports Clive Woodward’s decision to break with tradition and name the biggest Lions touring party in history.

Woodward will lead a 27-strong backroom team to New Zealand which includes a chef, a lawyer, a refereeing advisor and, most famously of all, Tony Blair’s former spin doctor Alastair Campbell.

It is the largest support team ever assembled for a Lions tour - only 12 years ago the backroom staff led by Ian McGeechan totalled just four - and on Monday Woodward will announce the 44-man squad charged with beating the All Blacks this summer.