Woodward ready to lead 2005 Lions in NZ

CLIVE WOODWARD’S appointment as coach of the 2005 Lions is expected to be confirmed today.

And Bill Beaumont, the 1980 England Grand Slam captain and a former team-mate of Woodward's, is an overwhelming favourite to become Lions manager.

The appointments will be made public following interviews earlier this week, when Woodward and Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan went head-to-head for the job.