Woodward Rules Out Rugby Return; Mascots Celebrate First Birthday

Woodward Commits to Olympic Role

Clive Woodward is squashing speculation he could leave Team Great Britain behind and make a return to the recently restructured Rugby Football Union.

"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," the former rugby player-turned-coach said Thursday in a statement distributed by the BOA.

"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."

Also in Thursday’s statement, he admitted to having had "informal conversations" with RFU execs about the role of performance director but confirmed his intention not to pursue the position any further.

Woodward’s commitment was welcomed by BOA chairman Colin Moynihan and CEO Andy Hunt.

"Clive understands exactly what it takes to deliver under intense pressure," said Hunt.

"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."

Wenlock, Mandeville Grow Up Fast

London 2012 mascots Wenlock and Mandeville are now one year old.

Olympic table tennis hopeful Hannah Hicks stopped by Thursday’s birthday party at the John Lewis Oxford Street department store to present their cake.

Also in tow were children from Kilburn Park Foundation School, part of the official London 2012 education program Get Set.

"Our mascots were designed for kids and we’re delighted that they love Wenlock and Mandeville and are interacting with them in so many ways," LOCOG chair Sebastian Coe said in a statement.

The celebration capped off a busy first year that saw the dynamic duo muster more than 20,000 Facebook fans and Twitter followers as well as participate in more than 200 events across the U.K., including a mascot hunt in honor of last month’s Royal Wedding.

Coe first unveiled Wenlock and Mandeville last May 19 at a primary school in Tower Hamlets, a deprived area two miles from the Olympic village. The mascots have kept a close connection to Britain’s schools ever since, often showing up for special sports days as well as Olympic and Paralympic related assemblies.

New Venues Director for OPLC

The Olympic Park Legacy Company’s latest appointment will oversee the selection of legacy operators for 2012 works such as the Aquatics Center, Multi-Use Arena and landmark ArcelorMittal Orbit tower.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity to take an unrivalled set of venues and turn them into a magnet for visitors, schools and community sport, as well as sporting and international events," newly tapped director of venues Peter Tudor said Thursday in a statement.

"The success of these venues in attracting visitors and the communities around them will help define the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as a must see must return destination."

Tudor comes to the OPLC after three years as a senior director at Ticketmaster.

The OPLC tells Around the Rings his role as director of venues also involves the Olympic Stadium. He will report to executive director of operations and venues Malcolm Ross.

Written by Matthew Grayson.