21 Nov 2011

Woodward slams top dogs ar RFU

5:50 am on 21 November 2011

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has reduced England to a "laughing stock", according to Sir Clive Woodward, who oversaw the country's 2003 World Cup triumph.

Martin Johnson, who was England captain in 2003, resigned as England coach after being parachuted into the post in 2008 with no previous coaching or management experience.

His resignation followed a disappointing World Cup campaign where the team failed to reach their stated goal of a semi-final spot after a last eight loss to France, and attracted more headlines for their off-field antics.

Woodward says someone in England's governing RFU had to be accountable for the decision to put a novice boss into such a high-profile job and singled out elite rugby director Rob Andrew and his role in the process.