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Clive Woodward won't be part of ITV's Six Nations coverage

Former England player and coach Clive Woodward looks on before the start of the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between England and Australia at the Oita Stadium in Oita on October 19, 2019. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

World Cup-winning head coach Sir Clive Woodward will not be part of ITV’s 2024 Six Nations coverage, ending a decade-long stint as a match day pundit with the British broadcaster.

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The Times report that the 68-year-old has left the role of his own volition, as opposed to having been axed by the channel.

Woodward, who led England to a historic victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, has chosen to step down to go out “on a high” marking the end of a significant era in rugby union broadcasting.

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Joe Simmonds on potential England selection

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Joe Simmonds on potential England selection

Over the years, Woodward’s insights and analyses have been a staple of ITV’s rugby coverage, attracting both praise and criticism.

While his expertise, drawn from his successful coaching career with London Irish and England, was valued by many, some viewers felt that his approach had become outdated.  Critics argued that Woodward, 68, was out of touch with the modern game and was relying heavily on the laurels of his 2003 World Cup success.

Despite these criticisms, Woodward’s contribution to ITV’s coverage has been substantial, offering viewers an often punchy take on the sport. His decision to leave has – however – been welcomed by many on social media.

Newcastle Falcons’ media manager wrote: “Respect to anyone who has won a World Cup, but they’re due a severe refresh on their punditry line-up.”

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Woodward became the British Olympic Association’s director of elite performance in 2006, staying with Team GB until after the London 2012 Olympics. ITV will reveal its full Six Nations roster of presenters and pundits next week.

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Comments

2 Comments
C
Clive 348 days ago

SCW really brings the boring know it all, he will not be missed especially when they bring in some girly to squeak bowlocks.

f
finn 348 days ago

thank god

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SK 5 hours ago
What is the future of rugby in 2025?

Set pieces are important and the way teams use them is a great indication of how they play the game. No team is showcasing their revolution more than the Springboks. This year they have mauled less and primarily in the attacking third. Otherwise they have tended to set like they are going to maul and then play around the corner or shove the ball out the back. They arent also hitting the crash ball carrier constantly but instead they are choosing to use their width or a big carrying forward in wider areas. While their maul is varied the scrum is still a blunt instrument winning penalties before the backs have a go. Some teams have chosen to blunt their set piece game for more control. The All Blacks are kicking more penalties and are using their powerful scrum as an attacking tool choosing that set piece as an attacking weapon. Their willingness to maul more and in different positions is also becoming more prominent. The French continue to play conservative rugby off the set piece using their big bruisers frequently. The set piece is used differently by different teams. Different teams play different ways and can be successful regardless. They can win games with little territory and possession or smash teams with plenty of both. The game of rugby is for all types and sizes and thats true in the modern era. I hope that administrators keep it that way and dont go further towards a Rugby League style situation. Some administrators are of the opinion that rugby is too slow and needs to be sped up. Why not rather empower teams to choose how they want to play and create a framework that favours neither size nor agility. That favours neither slow tempo play or rock n roll rugby. Create a game that favour both and challenge teams to execute their plans. If World Rugby can create a game like that then it will be the ultimate winner.

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J
JW 10 hours ago
'Let's not sugarcoat it': Former All Black's urgent call to protect eligibility rules

Yep, no one knows what will happen. Thing is I think (this is me arguing a point here not a random debate with this one) they're better off trialing it now in a controlled environment than waiting to open it up in a knee jerk style reaction to a crumbling organtization and team. They can always stop it again.


The principle idea is that why would players leave just because the door is ajar?


BBBR decides to go but is not good enough to retain the jersey after doing it. NZ no longer need to do what I suggest by paying him to get back upto speed. That is solely a concept of a body that needs to do what I call pick and stick wth players. NZR can't hold onto everyone so they have to choose their BBBRs and if that player comes back from a sabbatical under par it's a priority to get him upto speed as fast as possible because half of his competition has been let go overseas because they can't hold onto them all. Changing eligibility removes that dilemma, if a BBBR isn't playing well you can be assured that someone else is (well the idea is that you can be more assured than if you only selected from domestic players).


So if someone decides they want to go overseas, they better do it with an org than is going to help improve them, otherwise theyre still basically as ineligible as if they would have been scorning a NZ Super side that would have given them the best chance to be an All Black.

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