Woodward salutes Dallaglio

Clive Woodward today led the tributes to England skipper Lawrence Dallaglio following his retirement from international rugby.

And England coach Woodward confirmed that Dallaglio has not ruled himself out of selection for next summer’s Lions tour to New Zealand, despite quitting the Test arena.

“Lawrence informed me of his decision, and I fully understand his reasons,” said Woodward, who will take charge of the Lions trip.

“He has been not only an outstanding player for England, but a great captain, and on behalf of all the England squad we wish him well as he continues his career with London Wasps.

“Lawrence was my first captain when I took over the role in September 1997, and he has always been an important and valued member of the squad.

“He played in every match during the Rugby World Cup in 2003, and was an integral part of the squad that was unbeaten on the 2003 summer tour (of New Zealand and Australia) and won the Grand Slam and the World Cup in the same year,” Woodward added.

“Lawrence’s retirement from England does not preclude him from consideration for the British and Irish Lions tour next year, as I am keeping my options open on all players.

“I have started the process of considering suitable candidates to replace him as England captain, and I will make an announcement regarding Lawrence’s successor in advance of the Investec Challenge Series matches against Canada, South Africa and Australia in November.”