Donal Lenihan: Woodward proved catty when Lions came calling in 2001

Donal Lenihan has revealed the lack of cooperation that he and Graham Henry received from Clive Woodward when they led the British & Irish Lions to Australia in 2001.

Former Ireland captain and manager Lenihan was the Lions manager for the 2001 series against the Wallabies and in his memoir, My Life in Rugby, which was launched last night in Cork, the Irish Examiner columnist recalls the rancour that existed between the then England coach Woodward and his appointee Henry.

Lenihan had, as a player, toured with the Lions three times and played with future World Cup-winning England coach Woodward on the 1983 tour to New Zealand. Yet, concerns about the Englishman’s lack of input on the training field and his preference to take a more managerial role with his home nation led the Irishman to appoint then Wales coach Henry, a New Zealander, for the tour to Australia 15 years ago.