Woodward confirmed as 2005 Lions coach

As widely predicted, England boss Sir Clive Woodward has been appointed as the head coach of the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand with former Lions skipper Bill Beaumont appointed the tour manager.

Woodward, 48, will become the first English man to coach the famous team since Lions' tours first appointed specialised coaches back in 1966 when Wales' John Robins was chosen to coach the tour to New Zealand.

The former England centre was a two-time Lion, winning selection to the 1980 and 1983 tours to New Zealand and South Africa.

Woodward said: "I'm delighted to accept the job of Head Coach to the 2005 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 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 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 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," he added.

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."

Official Lions coaches

1966 J. D. Robins (Wal)
1968 Ronnie Dawson (Ire)
1971 Carwyn James (Wal)
1974 Syd Millar (Ire)
1977 John Dawes (Wal)
1980 Noel Murphy (Ire)
1983 Jim Telfer (Sco)
1989 Ian McGeechan (Sco)
1993 Ian McGeechan (Sco)
1997 Ian McGeechan (Sco)
2001 Graham Henry (NZ)
2005 Sir Clive Woodward (Eng)