Woodward hails England’s ‘great progress’ under Lancaster

Sir Clive Woodward has issued his backing for Stuart Lancaster after he was confirmed as England’s permanent head coach on Thursday.

Lancaster was interim boss for England’s Six Nations campaign and guided his side to a second-place finish, losing just once to eventual Grand Slam champions Wales.

And Woodward, who led England to victory in the 2003 World Cup, hailed the national side’s transformation under Lancaster, whose new contract runs until January 2016.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to Stuart Lancaster on his appointment as England head coach. The performance of the England team during the recent Six Nations demonstrated great progress and I wish Stuart and his team continued success,” said Woodward.

“The London 2012 Olympics is the start of an exciting series of major sporting events taking place in the UK during the coming years, representing a golden opportunity for British sport.

“Here at the British Olympic Association we are very aware of the significance of enthusiastic home support and I am sure Stuart and his team will enjoy England rugby supporters’ full backing going forward towards the Rugby World Cup in 2015 on home soil.

The British Olympic Association director of sport added: “With regards to rugby joining the Olympic family, I am looking forward to working with the RFU and all of the other Home Unions to ensure the introduction of rugby sevens to the Olympic Movement is a great success for Team GB and the game of Rugby at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games, Rio 2016 Olympic Games and beyond.”