Sir Clive Woodward
Clive Woodward has issued a statement saying he will not attend interviews for the role of Rugby Football Union performance director.
Woodward, England's Rugby World Cup winning coach, has also stated that he is 'totally committed' to his role as director of sport at the British Olympic Association and deputy chef de mission for Team GB in London 2012.
In a statement released by the BOA, Woodward revealed he had participated in 'informal conversations' with RFU 'senior figures' with the full knowledge of BOA chairman Lord Colin Moynihan and chief executive Andy Hunt.
But he also confirmed he would not be attending interviews relating to the performance's director position.
Woodward said: 'Since the Rugby Football Union announced its restructuring plan late last year, there has been considerable speculation that I might return to the RFU.
'With the full knowledge of Colin Moynihan and Andy Hunt, I have had informal conversations regarding the role of performance director with senior figures at the RFU.
'However, I have not participated in a formal interview for this position at any stage in the RFU process.
'From the outset I made it clear to both Colin and Andy that I would only attend a formal interview with their full knowledge. I would like to express my thanks for their understanding over this situation, and also for their considered views which have been greatly appreciated.
'In order to prevent any further speculation, and in the interests of the both the BOA and RFU, I would like to formally confirm that I will not be attending any interviews for this position.'
Woodward added: 'I am totally committed to my role as director of sport at the British Olympic Association and deputy chef de mission for Team GB in London 2012.
'We have an historic opportunity ahead, when more than 500 of Britain's most accomplished Olympic athletes will represent Team GB, at home, in the London 2012 Games.
'May I wish the RFU all the best in its search to find the appropriate candidate for this very important role for English rugby, going forward.
'I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Martin Johnson, his coaching team and all of his players every success, but especially for this year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, which all rugby fans are looking forward to.'
The performance director position has proved a hot topic of debate in recent weeks at Twickenham and beyond, with Woodward widely backed for an RFU return almost seven years after he walked away.
When the initial job description was unexpectedly watered down, it led many to believe it would rule Woodward out of contention.
But the RFU management board, on a majority vote, then effectively reinstated the old job specification, with the England manager - currently Johnson - reporting directly to the performance director after the World Cup later this year.
The interview process is understood to have been put back to the beginning of next month, and Woodward's announcement will come as a huge blow to his admirers within Twickenham's corridors of power.
Woodward's announcement was welcomed by both Moynihan and Hunt.
Moynihan said: 'Clive's decision to forgo possible opportunities with the RFU and remain with the British Olympic Association is welcome news for Team GB.
'As we work to provide British athletes and their NGBs with the highest levels of service and support in connection with their participation in major international Games, the work Clive and his sport team are doing is critical.
'British athletes can be confident in knowing that Clive and his team are working in close partnership with performance directors, coaches and other leaders throughout British sport to find and deliver the crucial, difference-making innovations and services that will help underpin their continued success in the international arena.'
And Hunt added: 'We are now in the critical phase of our planning and preparation for Team GB in London 2012.
'And I am delighted to know Clive will continue making important contributions to those efforts as a member of our delegation leadership team and as our director of sport.
'Clive understands exactly what it takes to deliver under intense pressure. He has been successful in converting years of planning and preparation into success on the field of play.
'He is a highly-respected voice in our preparation, and I am proud to have him as a member of our team and as one of our deputy chefs de mission.'
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