Gatland hits back Clubs return blast

Woodward referred to some club bosses as "strange characters" and accused others of wanting his job.

"I lost my temper, and I am sorry if that point came across badly," Woodward told the Sunday Times.

"Club owners like Chris Wright, Keith Barwell and Nigel Wray have done an awesome job for rugby."

I understand the directors are under pressure to deliver Sir Clive Woodward

Wright labelled Woodward's parting tirade as "ridiculous", while Wasps director of rugby Warren Gatland has also rejected the former England chief's claims.

"I have never before been critical of the directors of rugby," added Woodward, who needs to repair relations with the clubs in his role as Lions coach next year.

"I know we can all work together for the good of the Lions.

"There is obviously a problem with the competing demands but I understand that the directors are under pressure to deliver and that all the coaches are anxious to get their hands on their players."

LIONS COMMITTEE MEMBERS Bill Beaumont (England) Noel Murphy (Ireland) David Pickering (Wales) Gordon Dickson (Scotland)

The four-man Lions Committee is due to meet in Dublin on Tuesday to discuss the fall-out from Woodward's resignation.

Some officials are thought to be concerned about his suitability after Friday's outburst, believing a breakdown in relationships could harm the Lions.

But committee chairman Bill Beaumont, who will be the Lions tour manager, insists Woodward's position remains the same.

"Nothing at all has changed," he said. "We've got a meeting because these guys want to now what's happening in the light of conflicting reports."

RFU management board chairman Graeme Cattermole told BBC Radio Five Live he welcomed Woodward's apology.

"I think on reflection he felt that his remarks were over the top. I think it was an over-reaction and I am pleased that he has apologised," Cattermole told Sportsweek.

There are still a lot of issues between clubs and country Graeme Cattermole

"His comments were not new to us within the RFU but personally I was very surprised at the way in which he delivered his comments.

"In putting the agreement between the clubs and the RFU together, Clive was consulted all the way along at what was being developed and the number of days of access.

"In fact, Clive agreed to the 16 days back at the December management board meeting and the agreement was signed off in June and it was my understanding that he was happy with it.

"What people have to remember is professional rugby is still in its infancy and there are still a lot of issues between club and country, but all these things are being discussed and building blocks are being put in place."

Andy must not become a clone of me Sir Clive Woodward Robinson in pole position

Meanwhile, Woodward believes his former assistant Andy Robinson - named as acting head coach - should replace him on a permanent basis.

But he believes Robinson should work in tandem with a manager, a post Woodward did away with when appointed England coach in 1997.

"Andy's strength lies in coaching," Woodward said. "He is probably the best coach I have ever worked with.

"He must still be the boss, but he has to find an outstanding manager, a heavy hitter."

Woodward added: "The vital advice I've given him is that he must not become a clone of me.

"He has got to make tough decisions, bring in his own people to the management team and give it his own stamp."