Recovered Wood ready to lead Ireland in World Cup

KEITH WOOD, Ireland's talisman who has fought his way back from a career-threatening injury, is set to lead his country in the World Cup.

Also on the way back from a considerably more minor injury is fly-half Ronan O'Gara. Both he and the 31-year-old former Harlequins hooker are set to make a comeback against Wales in Dublin next month.

If Wood, who retired from club rugby at the end of an injury-decimated season, proves his fitness in the pre-World Cup internationals, he will almost certainly reclaim the captaincy from centre Brian O'Driscoll.