Woodward opens door to Johnno

'As far as I'm concerned everyone is available'

In his first press appearance as British and Irish Lions coach, Sir Clive Woodward announced that places on the plane to New Zealand in 2005 would be available to former Test stars - should they deserve them.

When quizzed as to whether he would consider the likes of Martin Johnson, Rob Howley and Scott Quinnell, Woodward replied: "I'd love to have two of them in particular with me!"

At 33 years of age, Howley is enjoying a wonderful Indian summer with London Wasps - ending the 2003/04 season not only as an English and European champion, but arguably Europe's best current No.9.

The former Wales skipper has made no secret of his desire to take part in a third Lions tour, and Woodward's words open the way to that possibility.

"As far as I'm concerned everyone is available," said Woodward.

"The Lions is a one-off with a huge amount of history and it's heartening when you see players like Howley saying they want to go on the tour."

Woodward also stated that he would endeavour to do away with the traditional Lions format which sees the party split into two sides early in the tour - leaving the group of Test hopefuls separate from the mid-week 'dirt trackers'.

"There is no chance of creating two separate teams," he said.

"You couldn't run a Lions party like that because players must know they can make the Test side."

But Woodward conceded that some likely Test starters amongst the party of 44 players would be held back at the start of the tour.

"In the first three games everyone will have started, within reason. The exceptions are the standout players who probably won't play until match six," said Woodward.

"We will have some world-class players in the squad but it's important we pencil them in, and don't ink them in, for the Test series."

"As far as I'm concerned everyone is available for selection. The Lions is a one-off with a huge amount of history and it's heartening when you see players like Howley saying they want to go on the tour.

"I'd rather see a player performing for their country but their club form would be enough to get them in."

With regards to the identity of the 2005 Lions skipper, Woodward played his cards close to his chest.

"The captain of the Lions is very important and I won't make a decision until the Six Nations," said the coach.

"It's a huge honour and I know how important it is to find a captain to work with - I'll make my choice very carefully."

After Lawrence Dallaglio's less-than-glorious foray south of the equator in June, the smart money is on Brian O'Driscoll to lead the Lions on their three-Test tour of New Zealand.

But with Woodward opening the door to Johnson - who lead the Lions in South Africa in 1997 and to Australia in 2001 - the Ireland captain won't be holding his breath.