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Mystery besets Woodward's future
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-09-03 05:53

Clive Woodward's future as England coach was shrouded in mystery late on Wednesday after he left a meeting with the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) saying he had not handed in his resignation.

Woodward, who led England to victory over hosts Australia in last year's World Cup final, earlier said he was resigning after seven years in charge.

"As far as I am concerned I am still England coach," Woodward told reporters. "I have not handed in my resignation."

The RFU confirmed that Woodward had not quit.

"Sir Clive has not formally tendered his written resignation and therefore contrary to media reports we have not refused to accept it," the ruling body said in a statement on its website. "Clive's position will be discussed further on Thursday."

Woodward earlier met with RFU chief executive Francis Baron to discuss media speculation that he was planning an unprecedented move into football and told reporters he was stepping down without giving any reasons.

"I will be handing in my resignation tomorrow," he said as he left the meeting.

Woodward's wish to resign was a second major blow for England in two days following the decision of team captain Lawrence Dallaglio to retire from international rugby.

Woodward, who wanted to play for top-flight club Everton as a boy, is reportedly keen to get fast-tracked into a role with the England football team before making a bid to succeed Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager after the 2006 World Cup finals.



 
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