Wood named in 40-man Ireland squad

KEITH WOOD’S rehabilitation from serious injury continued apace yesterday when the Irish hooker was named in a 40-man squad to take part in an Ireland training camp in Athlone next week.

Wood, who has not played Test rugby since playing against Russia in the World Cup qualifying match last September 21 and who was regarded as a major injury doubt ahead of the World Cup in Australia, is now increasingly likely to take an active part in the competition.

He injured his shoulder in the World Cup qualifier but was subsequently sidelined by a deep-rooted neck injury which not only prevented him playing in last season's Six Nations tournament, but also precluded him playing for his club side Harlequins.