Woodward The Lions 2005 Coach.

Clive Woodward has been named coach of the
2005 British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, it was announced in a statement today (Friday).

The British and Irish Lions today (Friday) announced that the position of Tour
Manager of the 2005 Lions Tour to New Zealand is to be filled by Bill Beaumont, who combines this role with his role as Chairman of the
Lions,
while Sir Clive Woodward OBE has been appointed the Head Coach.

Bill Beaumont, Chairman, British and Irish Lions, said:
“I am delighted to be both Chairman and Tour Manager of the 2005
Lions Tour
to New Zealand. It will be a privilege to work with Sir Clive
Woodward who
is the Head Coach and responsible for all Rugby matters. He has an
outstanding record and I know he is looking forward to the
challenge.”

Clive Woodward,said:
“I’m delighted to accept the job of Head Coach to the 2005
British Lions.
It was a huge honour to play for the Lions and to be given the
opportunity
of taking the squad to New Zealand is a huge challenge and one I want
everyone connected with the squad to enjoy.

“However, my immediate priority continues to be England and our
defence of
the RBS Six Nations Championship. There will be a lot of speculation
about
our itinerary and other coaching and management appointments for the
British Lions tour but I’m sure people will understand that I will
only
comment further on the Lions appointment once the Championship has
been
completed.

“Although my direct involvement with the British Lions doesn’t
start
immediately the work relating to the essential logistics and the
administrative related aspects of the tour has to start now. With
that in
mind I’m delighted that the England Manager, Louise Ramsay MBE, has
accepted the role of Team Manager for the British Lions tour. Louise’s
appointment was part of my agreement to accept the job as Head Coach
and
her role is a crucial one to the success and smooth running of the
tour.”

It is planned that there will be a press conference scheduled in April
(precise dates to be advised) where Clive Woodward, Bill Beaumont
and
Louise Ramsay will provide additional details concerning the tour.