Lions coach Clive Woodward has reaffirmed his decision to quit rugby union at the end of the tour of New Zealand.
Woodward will switch to football and become Southampton's director of football on August 1, according to the Mail on Sunday.
The man who led England to World Cup glory in Sydney 18 months ago refused to confirm details but repeated he would take a break from rugby union.
Woodward said: "I've not seen the story. Once the tour is over I am stepping away from rugby for a short period of time and going to work in another sport. At the end of this tour I am taking a break.
"I have been given an opportunity to work in another sport, not in a high-profile position but behind the scenes, which gives me time to look at another sport and also develop as a coach.
"I do it with regret because I didn't want to leave the RFU but I had no choice because they were clearly not going down the path I thought we needed to go to remain successful.
"I am going to work in another sport but I really don't want to go down that line too much apart from just stating that, but I think I have said that many times in the past.
"I am not prepared to say exactly what I am doing until after the tour and once I am back in England. I just want to focus on what is going on over here and to make sure everyone's minds - are focused on what is a pretty difficult task in itself."
