Lions opt for strength in numbers
Although stars such as Lawrence Dallaglio, Martin Johnson and Neil Back are still playing top-flight club rugby, Woodward is set to focus on the current international stage, providing opportunities for the likes of Paul O’Connell, Donncha O’Callaghan and Gordon D’Arcy.
“Everyone is available,” said the Lions head coach, who unveiled a 26-strong management yesterday.
“I see the squad being selected from people who are playing international rugby.
“If I feel we need to bring in a retired player, there would have to be a compulsive, cast-iron reason.”
Included in the coaching team is Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan, who will be partly responsible for the test team preparation, Ireland’s defensive coach Mike Ford, Dr Gary O’Driscoll who will be part of the medical team and Dave McHugh, who is a special advisor on refereeing and law interpretation.
But next month’s busy autumn test schedule and the 2005 RBS 6 Nations Championship in February and March will provide Woodward with his main selection guides.
He also insisted no decisions have been made on the Lions captaincy, despite reports that Ireland skipper Brian O’Driscoll had been approached.
The 44-man playing squad probably will not be announced until after the Six Nations finishes in late March, but Woodward’s coaching and management party - a record size for any Lions tour - is now in place. O’Sullivan, Woodward’s England successor Andy Robinson and defence specialist Phil Larder will have responsibility for the weekend team, with former Lions boss Ian McGeechan, Llanelli Scarlets supremo Gareth Jenkins and Ford taking charge of midweek games.
Woodward will oversee both groups, but stressed yesterday it was about two distinct coaching teams working with one pool of players.
“There are no pre-conceived ideas, and we won’t be sitting down with two groups of 22 players,” he said.
“It is about picking players who are on form and playing well. It is going to be very competitive, and it is about coming back with a test series win.”
Woodward also stressed the importance of enjoyment on the seven-week trip, and confirmed his players would be involved in community activities such as hospital and school visits in New Zealand.
“It is critical that everyone comes back having enjoyed the experience. There will be a huge emphasis put on enjoyment,” he said.
“I don’t want any players coming back from the tour not having enjoyed the experience, win, lose or draw.”
Asked if it would be difficult working with other coaches, but not as head coach, Eddie O’Sullivan said he thought not.
“We have got strong coaches for the Lions ticket and this will make us a stronger management. I think we have got a good management and this puts us on the front foot straight away.”
Woodward’s preparations for the 11-match tour - the Lions leave on May 25 - will be meticulous. He will spend a week each with the Welsh, French and Italian national squads next month - all three countries play New Zealand on successive weekends.
C. Woodward (48, head coach), B. Beaumont (52, tour manager), A. Robinson (40, coach), , P. Larder (59, coach), I. McGeechan (57, coach), G. Jenkins (53, coach), , J. Feehan (41, chief executive), L. Ramsay (36, team manager), D. Alred (56, specialist coach), D. Reddin (35, fitness coach), C. White (33, fitness coach), T. Biscombe (59, video analyst), G. Scott (30, video analyst), J. Robson (46, head doctor), , Phil Pask (44, physiotherapist), B. Stewart (30, physiotherapist/masseur), S. Barton (33, physiotherapist/masseur), R. Wegrzyk (41, masseur), D. Campbell (33, chef), D. Tennison (44, kit technician), L. Cheetham (32, media liaison), , R. Smith (40, legal support).
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