World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward coached some of the best rugby players of all-time during his time in charge of England and the Lions.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Woodward, a visionary English rugby icon, epitomizes excellence in coaching and leadership. Born on January 6, 1956, his remarkable journey in sports encompasses both playing and coaching.
His enduring legacy is built on his pivotal role as the head coach of the England rugby team, leading them to an unforgettable World Cup victory in 2003. His innovative strategies, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to player development revolutionised the sport.
Beyond rugby, Woodward’s influence extends to business and leadership, where he imparts his winning principles. Knighted in 2004, Sir Clive Woodward continues to inspire and shape the future of sports and leadership.
Sourcing several Q&A’s from down the years, we’ve ranked his top five according to the praise he agave them.
#5. Jason Robinson
Robinson is a former English rugby union and rugby league player known for his electrifying pace and agility. He transitioned from rugby league to union, becoming a key player for England, and famously scored a try in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final.
Renowned for his dynamic playing style, Robinson’s contributions to both codes of rugby have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Woodward said: “He was a sponge and soaked up every single rugby union skill. By the end he was probably the best kicker out of hand we had, he laid the ball back at rucks perfectly and his tackle technique was perfect. What a player.”
DID YOU KNOW? Because Dallaglio’s father, Vincenzo, is Italian, and his English-born mother, Eileen, was of Irish descent he was eligible to play for both Italy and Ireland, as well as England
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
HE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night’s accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
#4. Brian O’Driscoll
O’Driscoll, Ireland’s greatest-ever centre, earned 133 caps between 1999 and 2014, captaining his country 83 times. Renowned for his attacking brilliance, defensive tenacity, and leadership, he led Ireland to the 2009 Grand Slam.
A three-time British & Irish Lion, O’Driscoll remains the all-time top Six Nations try-scorer. Inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016.
Woodward said: “ In the Grand Slam game in 2003, we worked on a plan to man-mark him with three players, so the tackler was not exposed by O’Driscoll’s footwork and pace in a one-on-one situation.
“That’s how big a threat we believed he was – he needed three men to handle him. Ireland were going for a Grand Slam, but none of the players around Brian were in the same league.”
