Sir Clive was educated at HMS Conway Naval College and Loughborough University. He graduated with a Sports Science degree and a teaching qualification. He played rugby both for Harlequins and Leicester and was capped by England 21 times as well as touring with the Lions in 1981 and 1983. He spent some time working in Australia and while playing there learned a great deal about Australian rugby and their developmental programme.
He coached several clubs in the UK before being appointed as England Rugby’s first full-time professional coach in 1997. His style was innovative and original and involved not just players but specialist coaches, technical and medical teams all aiming for winning behaviour both on and off the field. The transformation of the national side led to England becoming ranked No 1 in the world and ultimately winning, in 2003, the greatest prize in rugby, the World Cup, defeating Australia, the old enemy, in a dramatic and enthralling final.
In 2004 Sir Clive resigned his position as RFU coach and transferred his skills to football in 2005. He took the position of Performance Director at Southampton Football Club where he stayed for just one year. He is now Director of Elite Performance at the British Olympic Association.
Sir Clive is married with three children and was knighted in 2004.
“Dan’s story is very moving and illustrates so well the life-changing nature of these injuries. The real possibility that it needn’t be this way and that a cure may be found is immensely motivational. I’m honoured and delighted to lend my backing to the foundation and encourage others to lend their support in whatever way they can to this very worthwhile cause”.
