Wood on the bench for Harlequins

AFTER a season of several false starts, Ireland skipper Keith Wood is ready once again to begin a comeback from injury.

Wood returns to the Harlequins squad for today’s Powergen Cup tie against Zurich Premiership rivals Leeds Tykes at The Stoop and has been named as a replacement. If he comes off the bench, it will be the hooker’s first competitive action since playing against Saracens in the Premiership last month.

Wood missed the first international of the season in September following the sudden death of his brother, Gordon, but returned to the side for the World Cup qualifier against Russia in eastern Siberia.

The seriousness of a blow to his neck during that game was intensified by the long trip back to Ireland and he missed the following week’s qualifier against Georgia at Lansdowne Road.

The Lions star had hoped to return for the autumn international against Australia last month but the neck problem was persistent and Wood was forced to miss the victory over the Wallabies.

Hopes of a return to the fold were lifted by his appearance against Saracens but Wood then withdrew from the Argentina game and today’s match is the latest comeback attempt.

His return is one of several changes to the Harlequins side which played against Stade Francais in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup last week.