Clive Woodward said on Wednesday he is resigning as England’s rugby coach after seven years at the helm.
Woodward, who has expressed interested in coaching soccer, met early on Wednesday with Rugby Football Union officials and then confirmed he will be leaving the post.
”I will be handing in my resignation,” said Woodward, who said he would return later in the day to hand the document over to chief executive Francis Baron.
Woodward led England to the World Cup championship in last year’s final, beating Australia 20-17.
He was named England coach in September 1997. Although he is not regarded as a great bench coach, his strength came in his ability to motivate players and organise the team.
Woodward hopes to translate his organisational skills to soccer.
Reports suggest he wants to gain ”elite working experience” with a Premier League club — possibly Southampton — and then look toward managing England’s national soccer team.
England has slipped since winning the World Cup in Australia last November with five losses in eight games. Woodward’s team lost the Six Nations title and finished a disappointing third after defeats by Ireland and France.
It’s been a tough two days for English rugby following the resignation on Tuesday from international rugby of captain Lawrence Dallaglio. — Sapa-AP