The Celtic countries put too much emphasis on the Lions as the pinnacle of rugby, according to former coach Sir Clive Woodward.

With just days to go until the opening match of the 2017 tour against the Provincial Barbarians, Woodward has been reflecting on his failed leadership of the last expedition to New Zealand in 2005.

He told the BBC that he does not regard anything he did with the Lions as a player or a coach above his achievements with England.

"The Lions, to me, wasn't the top of my playing career and it wasn't the top of my coaching career," said Woodward, who presided over a 3-0 series whitewash 12 years ago against the All Blacks.

"Playing for England was, winning a World Cup was and becoming the best team in the world was what I was all about.

"The Lions was something I liked, I can understand why it's important to British and Irish rugby.

Clive Woodward and Graham Henry shake hands at the end of the third test
Clive Woodward and Graham Henry shake hands at the end of the third test in 2005

"But I sometimes think the Celtic countries put too much emphasis on it, that it's almost the top of their tree whereas I don't think it is.

"It is such a strange thing when you look at it logically.

"You play away from home, you give all the advantage away and you've got a scratch team."

Woodward also insisted that winning a Lions series does not make whoever is coach, great.

Gavin Henson - Controversy dogged Clive Woodward during the 2005 Tour - not least over the non-selection of Henson. This picture - later revealed to be stage-managed - was released to show the coach explaining his decision to the Wales centre
Gavin Henson - Controversy dogged Clive Woodward during the 2005 Tour - not least over the non-selection of Henson. This picture - later revealed to be stage-managed - was released to show the coach explaining his decision to the Wales centre

"To think you're a great coach because you take a Lions team for six weeks...even if you win it doesn't make you a great coach," he added.

"I think you've got to build things and I think the World Cup is the ultimate thing in terms of coaching.

"The Lions is just a really good thing, it's a good history and it's good for rugby, but I don't think we should put quite as much emphasis on it as we do.

"Quite simply it's because it is such a difficult thing to win but that's why we love it - it is the romance.

"I'm glad I did it but it is a tough ask and I wish them well."