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Last Updated: Friday, 25 June, 2004, 08:33 GMT 09:33 UK
Woodward stands firm
England coach Sir Clive Woodward
Woodward's comments were broadcast on television all over NZ

Sir Clive Woodward says he was within his rights to criticise match officials after England's loss to the All Blacks.

The World Cup-winning coach is also upset New Zealand accused him of breaching the sport's code of conduct.

Woodward criticised Welsh referee Nigel Williams and Australian touch judge Stuart Dickinson after lock Simon Shaw was sent off in the second Test.

"I knew exactly what I was saying after the game and I don't retract anything that I said," said Woodward.

"Unless they can show me something that's really hideous or criminal I don't think I said anything wrong.

"If every now and then we make a slip you just have to apologise...but in saying that I don't think I made any slip."

Woodward told a news conference, broadcast live on New Zealand television, that Shaw's dismissal was unfair and the officials had been influenced by the crowd.

New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) deputy chief executive Steven Tew responded by telling a local newspaper he suspected Woodward had breached the International Rugby Board's (IRB) code of conduct.

Tew also sent the board a videotape of his comments.

"What I did was question how a linesman could send a player from the field when he actually didn't know who the player was and I think that was a fairly constructive thing for me to say," Woodward added.

He said he was upset that Tew had spoken to the media rather than contact him or lodge a complaint through official channels.

"I just think it's wrong for a New Zealand official to speak to a local newspaper and make those sort of allegations without doing it officially.

I'm in charge of the English rugby team and when I'm asked questions about things that happened in a game I tend to answer them
Sir Clive Woodward

"I don't think it was too clever from him either so I'm sure the IRB will investigate him as well."

Under IRB rules, players, coaches and officials are prohibited from criticising match officials but Woodward said they should be given flexibility to discuss important incidents.

"If the IRB or the NZRU want to stop me from going to press conferences then that would be marvellous," he said.

"But I'm in charge of the English rugby team and when I'm asked questions about things that happened in a game I tend to answer them."




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