 Woodward has worked with Andy Robinson with England & the Lions |
Sir Clive Woodward could still be made England's new director of elite rugby, according to Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron. Woodward left the RFU under a cloud in September 2004 and criticised Baron in his resignation media conference.
But Baron told BBC Five Live: "When Clive left, there was a lot of emotion in what he said, but not a lot of fact.
"I haven't approached Clive. But we're advertising the post this week, and we'll see who applies."
Woodward, the mastermind of England's 2003 World Cup triumph, is favourite to land the new director of elite rugby role, which was created in response to the RFU's Six Nations review.
 |  It's all speculation - I don't have any preference |
Baron's strained relationship with Woodward is reportedly an obstacle to his appointment but the RFU boss was quick to deny this. "We worked together for six years and our wives are still good friends," said Baron.
"We want to get the best candidate in the world. Nobody's ruled in and nobody's ruled out.
"I have no idea if Clive will apply. Reports that I'm blocking Clive's return are rubbish.
"We haven't even got around to discussing possible candidates. We want the best guy available in the world.
"Other names linked like Rob Andrew, Dean Richards and Warren Gatland are great but I have no idea if they are interested. It's all speculation. I don't have any preference. "We want to appoint the successful candidate as soon as possible but the sort of guys we're looking at will be under contract to other organisations, so it won't happen immediately."
MMIX
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