Woodward gives ‘absolute’ commitment to Lions

CLIVE WOODWARD last night gave an “absolute” commitment to the Lions for next summer’s tour of New Zealand and insisted that he will not take on any other job until Lions business is finished with.

Speculation surrounding a possible high-profile switch to football had raised concerns about Woodward’s position as Lions coach. There were reports of the Lions committee holding an emergency meeting next week.

But Woodward has moved quickly to erase any doubts about his Lions involvement, and will spend this season preparing for the three- test trip next May, June and July.

“I am 100% committed to the Lions. I am taking no job from anyone until that is finished,” he said.

“The Lions is going to be fantastic. I want to work with the Welsh, the Irish, the Scots - that is what I intend to do. We’ve got to get the power of these four countries working together.

“Everything is in place with people like Ian McGeechan and Eddie O’Sullivan on the coaching team,” he said.