Rugby: Wood to stay at Harlequins

Keith Wood has confirmed his intention to stay with Harlequins next season, even if they are relegated from the Premiership this term.

The Ireland skipper has just returned from a calf injury and hopes to lead his rock-bottom side to safety during the closing weeks of the campaign.

He will lead his team against London Irish at the Madejski Stadium, when a win will drag them off the foot of the table 24 hours after fellow strugglers Bath and Leeds meet at the Recreation Ground.

Visits to the likes of Otley and Manchester would hardly be ideal preparation for next year’s World Cup but Wood insists he is prepared to go through the trauma if Quins do lose their place in the top flight.

‘‘I will be at Quins next season no matter what,’’ Wood told the London Evening Standard.

‘‘I wouldn’t like to play in the First Division but if that’s where we end up then I will be working my way back out of it with the rest of the Quins.’’