Former Fiji boss slams Sir Clive Woodward after he steps down as ITV pundit
Rugby NewsFriday, 12 January 2024 at 14:30
England's World Cup-winning coach, Sir Clive Woodward, has shockingly stepped down from his enduring punditry role at ITV, a mainstay in their Six Nations coverage for nearly a decade.
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In an exclusive statement to The Times, Woodward revealed his decision, stating, "It has been a fantastic time, but I now want to concentrate on other things."
Despite ITV expressing disappointment, he emphasised his desire to exit on a high note post the Rugby World Cup.
Woodward assured fans he would still be present at Twickenham, but this time as a spectator and fervent supporter.
Amidst the news, former Fiji head coach and current World Rugby high-performance pathways manager, Simon Raiwalui, delivered a cutting remark, "The rugby public instantly got smarter!"
Social media erupted with delight, with one person humorously recounting, "I just fell to my knees in Tesco."
Another individual shared a witty observation, connecting Woodward's departure to their Christmas presents, stating, "I now see why I didn’t get any Xmas presents. All my wishes pushed to 2024."
Optimism abounds that ITV's rugby coverage will benefit from Woodward's absence, with Squidge Rugby, an analyst, expressing relief, "A single tear just rolled down my cheek. The reign of terror is over."
"17 Months To Go" - Predicting Andy Farrell's British & Irish Lions Squad to Tour Australia in 2025
However, following the news of Farrell's appointment to the Lions, we've decided to dust off the old crystal ball and predict how the Lions will line up against the Wallabies. We have compiled a squad list of 42 players, which matches the same amount as the side which battled the Springboks behind closed doors in 2021. These picks are of course subject to injuries and contractural availabilities, as it is understood that only internationally eligible players can run out in the famous red jersey.
So, here are RUCK's predictions for Andy Farrell's 2025 British & Irish Lions squad, that will tour Australia from June of 2025.
PROPS
Ellis Genge, Captain of England during the Summer Nations Series Rugby match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
1. Ellis Genge (England and Bristol Bears)
2. Andrew Porter (Ireland and Leinster)
3. Pierre Schoeman (Scotland and Edinburgh)
4. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland and Leinster)
5. Zander Fagerson (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)
6. Finlay Bealham (Ireland and Connacht)
HOOKERS
Jamie George of England during the Summer Nations Series Match between England and Wales at Twickenham, London on 12 Aug 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
7. Jamie George (England and Saracens)
8. Dan Sheehan (Ireland and Leinster)
9. Ryan Elias (Scarlets and Wales)
LOCKS
Munster player Tadhg Beirne during the European Champions Cup Match between Wasps and Munster at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on December 12th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
10. Maro Itoje (England and Saracens)
11. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland and Munster)
12. James Ryan (Ireland and Leinster)
13. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland and Edinburgh)
14. Daffyd Jenkins (Wales and Exeter Chiefs)
15. Ollie Chessum (England and Leicester Tigers)
BACK ROW
Will Chudley of Bath Rugby looks to tackle Josh van der Flier of Leinster Rugby during the Heineken Champions Cup match between Bath Rugby and Leinster Rugby on 8 December at Recreation Ground, Bath. - PHOTO: Steve Haag/PPAUK
16. Hamish Watson (Scotland and Edinburgh)
17. Peter O'Mahony (Ireland and Munster)
18. Josh Van Der Flier (Ireland and Leinster)
19. Jac Morgan (Wales and Ospreys)
20. Jack Dempsey (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)
21. Caelan Doris (Ireland and Leinster)
UTILITY FORWARDS
Ben Earl of Saracens sprints with the ball during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Saracens and Leicester Tigers at StoneX Stadium, London on Saturday 4th November 2023 (PHOTO: George Beck/PPAUK)
22. Jamie Ritchie (Scotland and Edinburgh)
23. Ben Earl (England and Saracens)
SCRUM HALVES
Conor Murray of Ireland looks to clear the ball as Maro Itoje of England looks to block during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 21 2020. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
24. Conor Murray (Ireland and Munster)
25. Alex Mitchell (England and Northampton Saints)
26. Ali Price (Scotland and Edinburgh)
FLY HALVES
Owen Farrell, Captain of England kicking during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
27. Owen Farrell (England and Saracens)
28. Finn Russell (Scotland and Bath Rugby)
29. Marcus Smith (England and Harlequins)
CENTRES
30. Bundee Aki (Ireland and Connacht)
31. Manu Tuilagi (England and Sale Sharks)
32. Garry Ringrose (Ireland and Leinster)
33. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland and Leinster)
34. Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)
BACK THREE
Louis Rees-Zammit of Gloucester Rugby slips the tackle of Cadan Murley of Harlequins during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Gloucester Rugby and Harlequins at Kingsholm on 17 February. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
35. Hugo Keenan (Ireland and Leinster)
36. Darcy Graham (Scotland and Edinburgh)
37. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales and Gloucester Rugby)
38. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland and Edinburgh)
39. James Lowe (Ireland and Leinster)
40. Freddie Steward (England and Leicester Tigers)
UTILITY BACKS
Elliot Daly of England slips the tackle of Gareth Thomas of Wales during the Summer Nations Series Match between England and Wales at Twickenham, London on 12 Aug 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
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