Former England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward has expressed his concerns about the current state of English rugby. In an article published by the Daily Mail, Woodward discusses how the national team has hit “rock bottom” and calls for immediate action to address the issues.
Woodward highlights the disappointing performances of the England team in recent years, particularly during the Six Nations tournament. He believes that the team lacks the necessary confidence and mental toughness to compete at the highest level. Woodward also criticizes the lack of leadership within the squad, pointing out that there is no clear captaincy structure or player who can take charge on the field.
The former coach suggests that the decline in English rugby can be attributed to a number of factors. One of these is the focus on physicality over skill development, with players being selected based on size rather than their ability to play the game. Woodward argues that this approach is outdated and needs to change if England wants to regain its place among the top rugby nations.
Woodward also expresses his disappointment with the coaching setup in England. He believes that there is a lack of innovation and creativity in the way the game is taught and coached at all levels. According to him, this has resulted in a generation of players who lack the necessary skills and tactical awareness to succeed.
In order to turn things around, Woodward suggests a number of changes that need to be implemented. These include a new approach to player selection, focusing on skill and game intelligence rather than just physical attributes. He also calls for a more innovative and creative coaching system, with an emphasis on developing players’ decision-making abilities.
Woodward concludes his article by stating that English rugby is at a crucial crossroads. He urges the Rugby Football Union to take immediate action and make the necessary changes to ensure the future success of the national team. Only through a comprehensive overhaul of the current system, Woodward believes, can England hope to reclaim its position as a dominant force in international rugby.
