Woodward sends Christmas message to prospective Lions

British and Irish Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward has sent 140 elite players a Christmas message ahead of next year's rugby tour to New Zealand.

The former England coach plans six further motivational dossiers as he whittles down the squad to 44 but the first package simply reminded the lucky recipients that 2005 was a Lions year.

The dossier -- entitled "The Power of Four" in reference to the four Home Unions from which the touring party will be selected -- included a Christmas card adorned with motivational slogans.

The messages included lines such as "How do you want to be remembered?" and "Who says we can't do it?", according to international rugby website planetrugby.com.

The players on Woodward's mailing list are thought to have included retired England internationals Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio and Neil Back.

The inclusion of the triumvirate seems to suggest that the coach is prepared to consider players who will not be playing for their countries during the 2005 Six Nations Championship.

- NZPA