LONDON 2012: Woodward commits himself to next year's Youth Olympics

By Sportsbeat staff

SIR Clive Woodward's future plans remain a source of much debate but the man himself appears content, at least outwardly, in his role with the British Olympic Association.

ROLE: Sir Clive Woodward will be the chef de mission at next year's winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck (Getty Images)

Rugby World Cup winning coach Woodward categorically ruled himself out of the running to become the new performance director at the Rugby Football Union earlier this month - insisting he remained fully committed to his role as director of sport with Team GB.

But following the decision last week to sack RFU chief executive John Steele, who had been opposed to Woodward returning to Twickenham, speculation has reignited.

Woodward has reportedly told friends he wants to return to a high-profile role within the sport where he made his name as an international player and coach but today committed himself to becoming the chef de mission of the British team at next year's Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck.

Woodward, a member of the International Olympic Committee’s entourage commission, will be supported by BOA head of winter sport engagement Mike Hay as deputy chef de mission.

“I am delighted that our top young winter athletes will benefit from Clive’s vast experience and expertise in leading a successful team and creating the performance focused environment to enable them to perform to the best of their ability," said BOA chief executive Andy Hunt.

“Having witnessed the excellent quality of the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore last summer, I am sure that Innsbruck 2012 will provide an excellent opportunity for the athletes to gain experience of a multi-sport environment and prepare themselves for the demands they will face in progressing their careers through to senior international, and ultimately, Olympic level.”

© Sportsbeat 2011