SIR Clive Woodward has underlined his "complete focus" on next summer's tour to New Zealand after Lions chiefs gave him their total backing as head coach.

World Cup winner Woodward's resignation as England boss - and subsequent speculation linking him with a coaching or managerial move to soccer - caused a degree of concern in Lions ranks.

But after a Lions committee meeting, attended by Woodward, in Dublin last night, his position was reaffirmed.

Woodward has insisted he will not take up any other job until after the three-Test trip to New Zealand ends next July.

"My complete focus is the Lions for the next nine months - there are no distractions," he said.