Woodman, who was at Gloucester between 1995 and 2004, won 22 England caps including two against the Wallabies in what turned out to be a very memorable 2003.
"I've got very fond memories of my matches against Australia. Both games took place in 2003. The first game was the first time that England beat Australia on their own soil and the second one was the World Cup Final which is the one that everyone remembers for obvious reasons!"
"Back then it was about testing ourselves against the best in the world and Australia were the very best at that time being the reigning champions going into that World Cup."
"We had huge respect for them and to go away with a win in what was a fantastic tournament is credit to the huge amount of work that everyone connected with the England squad put in."
Having been unfortunately forced to quit the game at the age of 29 due to a back injury, Woodman moved to Australia and started to forge a career as a coach giving him the unique perspective of living and working on both sides of the globe.
"I spent a very enjoyable few years living and working in Australia, initially with Sydney University and then, more recently, with the ARU itself as the National Scrum Coach."
"So, I've got a little bit of inside information on how Australian rugby works and their culture and the talent that's coming through in the squad that Robbie Deans has picked."
Having spent such a sizeable part of his career at Gloucester, the Plymouth born prop is ideally placed to comment on the significance of the Wallabies playing at Gloucester.
"It's something different, that's the main thing. It's good to have these national sides coming here and touring and playing club sides whether they be English, Welsh or Scottish."
"I think it's good for the supporters as it gives them a chance to see these players coming and playing on their home patch, in their own stadium and not everyone gets the chance to go and watch international games at Twickenham."
"In those big stadiums, you can get lost a bit in the whole atmosphere whereas, in an enclosed and intense environment like Kingsholm, it gives you the chance to be right in there."
And, of course, before the Wallabies arrive, Woodman will be coming back to Gloucester but, on this occasion, as a member of the away team.
"Well, it's all changed since I was there so it's not really the away changing room that I used to know when I was playing there."
"I always thought that the old away dressing room had a bit more feel and character to it than the one that's there now! I'm a little more old school."
"Seeing the likes of Deacs sitting in there after training cracking jokes is the sort of thing that you miss when you leave."
"It's going to be interesting being out on the pitch before the game, warming up the boys in front of the Shed."
"I have very fond memories of the place and going back to Gloucester will be one of the highlights of the season for me."
"I've no doubt there'll be some banter flying around and I'm sure it'll be good. But I've got a job to do and we'll see how it goes on the day."
![]() |
![]() |



