Dallaglio cheered that RFU flip-flop has not deterred Woodward from job
FORMER England captain Lawrence Dallaglio believes it is “positive news for English rugby” that Sir Clive Woodward has not ruled himself out of the race to become performance director, despite the Rugby Football Union’s handling of the recruitment process.
The RFU have been criticised for last week’s flip-flopping, in which they drastically downgraded the role so that it would no longer cover the senior team, only to change tack again and revert to the original remit.
Woodward, who coached England to World Cup success in 2003, is the favourite for the role but would be considered far less likely to want it if he were not involved at elite level.
“It’s a difficult situation for everyone,” Dallaglio told City PM “When Clive’s name was linked to the job I imagine all the other candidates probably withdrew their applications, on the basis that he was in line for the job.
“Because its dragged on and been done very publicly it causes a bit of speculation and conjecture. Clive is currently involved with the British Olympic Association and in a very big job there.
“I’m sure it’ll get resolved and that everyone in the RFU is looking to find the most outstanding candidate. No appointment has been made yet and he’s still in the frame, which is positive news for English rugby.”
RFU chief executive John Steele was at the centre of last week’s controversy but operations director Rob Andrew insists he still has his support. He said: “It was an interesting week last week but there’s a lot of good stuff happening and we carry on.”
Lawrence Dallaglio is an ambassador for the Amlin Opta Index. For more on the Index see www.ercrugby.com. See tomorrow’s City PM for his full preview of the weekend’s two huge European finals.