Ireland rugby hero Wood to whip Smith O’Brien’s into shape

CLARE senior hurling team Smith O’Brien’s have pulled off a major coup by enlisting the services of local hero and former Ireland rugby captain Keith Wood as conditioning trainer for a six-week spell.

Officials at the Killaloe outfit have revealed that the former Lion has already embarked on an intensive training schedule to aid them in their quest for local glory.

Club chairman Naoise Lawlor expressed his delight at having Wood on board, just a fortnight after another ex-Munster and Ireland rugby hero, Anthony Foley, lined out for Smith O’Brien’s in a Munster junior club football semi-final.