Sir Clive Woodward quits ITV ahead of Six Nations and issues statement to explain why
Iconic rugby presenter Sir Clive Woodward has quit ITV's coverage ahead of the Six Nations.
Sir Clive Woodward has released a statement confirming that he has quit ITV’s rugby coverage before the upcoming Six Nations. The England 2003 World Cup-winning head coach “wanted to go out on a high” after over eight years working for the broadcaster.
Woodward is set to focus on “other business” ventures and ITV have stated that the 68-year-old made the decision himself to step away from television duties. He joined the broadcaster in 2015 for the World Cup, before continuing in their coverage of the Six Nations.
This year’s tournament is only a few weeks away but ITV will be without their lead presenter, who opted to leave following his leading coverage of the 2023 World Cup when England reached the semi-finals only to be beaten by champions South Africa.
“It has been a fantastic time but I now want to concentrate on other things,” Woodward told The Times. “ITV were very disappointed but after the Rugby World Cup I wanted to go out on a high. I will be at Twickenham still - but this time as a spectator and fan.
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“I would like to thank the ITV Sport team and my fellow panellists and co-commentators for so many great games and happy memories, and wish everyone the very best for an exciting Six Nations campaign.”
ITV are set to announce their presenters and pundits for the Six Nations next week ahead of the opening match on February 2, when France host Ireland in Marseille. Woodward thanked ITV for “happy memories” who will showcase four of England’s upcoming five games at the tournament.
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Woodward has been a staple of ITV’s rugby coverage, but became a household name after coaching England to the 2003 World Cup before leading the British & Irish Lions on their tour of New Zealand two years later. He was appointed England boss in 1997 and went on to win three Five/Six Nations titles.
Woodward has never failed to bite his tongue and most recently called on the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to give England captain Owen Farrell the freedom to pursue a career with Racing 92 in France, while continuing to represent the national side.
“The RFU should abandon their foreign selection rule,” he wrote for the Daily Mail. “Farrell is just showing the absurdity of it all and highlighting how far behind England rugby is in its thinking and structure.
“It will be a great switch for Farrell on the field as well as off it, and a great life experience for him and his young family. Everyone in English rugby should be celebrating this move.”