Rugby: Woodward favourite to lead Lions in 2005

CLIVE WOODWARD is set for new year talks which could result in him leading the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand.

England’s World Cup-winning coach admitted he has been approached by Bill Beaumont, chairman of the Four Home Unions, although he stressed he has not yet been offered the job.

“Billy asked me if I was interested in it and I said I would talk to him after I get back from holiday,” added Woodward, who is bound for a family skiing trip to Verbier in Switzerland after England’s match against the New Zealand Barbarians at Twickenham.