Sir Clive Woodward steps down from punditry duty with ITV to 'concentrate on other things'... with the broadcaster 'very disappointed' to see World Cup winning coach and Mail Sport columnist leave

Woodward has worked as a pundit for ITV since 2015 but has now stepped downThe Mail Sport columnist has received praise for speaking his mind in his workHe thanked the broadcasted for 'happy memories' with last work at World Cup 

England World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward is stepping down from punditry with ITV.

Woodward, who led England to their only Rugby World Cup glory in 2003, has been part of the broadcaster’s Six Nations coverage for nearly a decade, but will not be on TV screens this winter.

His last work with the broadcaster was during the 2023 World Cup, which saw England reach the semi-finals before a gut-wrenching defeat to eventual winners South Africa.

Mail Sport columnist Woodward thanked the ITV for the ‘happy memories’ of working together, but said that he wanted to to focus on ‘other business ventures’ instead of his broadcast work with the company.

Speaking to The Times, the 68-year-old revealed the news, with ITV set to announce the pundits and presenters for the tournament next week after confirming Woodward’s words.

Sir Clive Woodward has stepped down from his role as as rugby pundit on ITV ahead of the start of the Six Nations

Woodward’s last work with the broadcaster was last year at the World Cup, where England reached the semi-final

‘It has been a fantastic time but I now want to concentrate on other things,’ Woodward, who first worked for the broadcaster in 2015, said.

‘ITV were very disappointed but after the Rugby World Cup I wanted to go out on a high. I will be at Twickenham still, but this time as a spectator and fan.

‘I would like to thank the ITV Sport team and my fellow panellists and co-commentators for so many great games and happy memories, and wish everyone the very best for an exciting Six Nations campaign.’

Woodward has gained praise for often speaking his mind on tough subjects, sometimes clashing with former England head coach Eddie Jones during his time in charge.

Mail Sport columnist Woodward thanked the broadcaster for ‘happy memories’ as he turned his focus other other advantures

Steve Borthwick’s England side are looking to put their World Cup heartbreak behind them ahead of the start of the Six Nations next month

In his latest Mail Sport column, he encouraged England captain Owen Farrell to make the move to Racing 92, and said that he should still be allowed to play for his country if he does so – something not currently permitted.

‘My overriding reaction when I heard Owen Farrell is in advanced talks to join Racing 92 was that it is a fantastic opportunity for him to move to Paris and take his game to another level,’ Woodward wrote.

‘Farrell can put himself under pressure to succeed in a totally different environment after spending his entire career with Saracens and England.

‘There are no negatives around the proposed two-year deal except for the fact it will mean he can’t play for England. That is so wrong.’