'Flattered' Woodward rejects link to new Welsh rugby role

CLIVE WOODWARD yesterday insisted his future lies at the British Olympic Association in response to reports raising the possibility of a return to rugby as Wales’ director of elite performance.

Woodward admitted he was “flattered” to be linked with the newly-created position at the Welsh Rugby Union but will continue with his similar role at the BOA, where he is contracted until 2012.

He said: “I’m very flattered at the interest shown by the Welsh RFU.

“Normally this would have been a job I would have found very attractive but having accepted the challenging post of director of elite performance at the BOA I’m very happy this will be my focus through to 2012.”

The WRU revealed plans to create the new post with group chief executive Roger Lewis indicating an application from Woodward, the mastermind of England’s 2003 World Cup triumph, would be welcomed.

Wales have followed in England’s footsteps by creating the new role, although Lewis insisted it would be done “the Welsh way“.

Woodward, who spent a controversial spell at Southampton Football Club, was favourite to be appointed the RFU’s director of elite rugby but lost out to Rob Andrew.

Three weeks later he took up his current post at the BOA.