Sir Clive (pictured top), the British Olympic Association (BOA) performance director and deputy Chef de Mission for Team GB, was speaking at Eton Dorney, where he was watching gold medallist Ed McKeever and the other British sprint canoeists in an event also attended by David Cameron, the British Prime Minister.

He told insidethegames: "I just don't understand why anyone should be talking about cutting.

"In the great scheme of things it's a tiny amount of money.

"For me, the only discussion should be how much more the Government should put into UK sports to make sure we keep this going."

The man who led England to victory in the rugby World Cup as head coach in 2003, added: "Every single sport I have seen [at London 2012] has operated properly and deserves to keep it going.

"In terms of what sport does to the country it is a very small amount of money.

"I hope the Government rewards sport by a) keeping it and b) increasing it."

Canoeist Ed McKeever's gold-medal success should act as a spur to the Government, maintains Sir Clive Woodward

He continued: "UK Sport have done a fantastic job.

"You don't want them to have to make too tough calls [on funding] going forward.

"There should be a minimum amount of funding for top-end sports to try and keep this going."

Asked to elaborate on sport's contribution to society at a time when public sector finances are exceptionally tight, he replied: "The obvious thing is health, but... I [also] think it produces in the main all these athletes with great qualities."

He added that the range of sports at the Olympics was such that there was no reason why only youngsters should be inspired to become more active.

"I think we are probably the most sports-nuts country I can think of," he said.


Britain's London 2012 success should inspire "sports-nuts" people of all ages to enjoy active sport, believes Sir Clive Woodward

On Team GB's performance at London 2012, which will see the host nation win comfortably in excess of 60 medals, compared with 47 in Beijing – a 2008 tally which BOA chairman Colin Moynihan last month suggested that Team GB faced "a major task" to surpass – Sir Clive said: "Everyone is very happy.

"It is great to see canoe sprint get medals.

"Everyone has done their job.

"It has all combined to make an amazing Olympic Games."

He added: "It's not just the medals.

"It's the way all 26 [sports] have contributed."

Asked whether there were any jitters during the first two or three days of the Games before the home team got into their stride, a buoyant Sir Clive replied: "Only from you guys!"

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