Wood Calls it a Day

Keith Wood announced his retirement from all rugby following the 43-21 World Cup quarter-final defeat by France in Melbourne.

Keith Wood announced his retirement from all rugby following the 43-21 World Cup quarter-final defeat by France in Melbourne.

The inspirational hooker, who battled back from a series of injuries to play in his third World Cup, said he was hanging up his boots after a glittering 57-cap international career.

“It’s the time, that’s it,” Wood, 31, told a press conference. “Time to hang up the boots from all rugby. It’s a doubly sad day today.”

Wood has been dogged by shoulder injuries throughout his career and said he had wanted to go out on his own terms. “My shoulder is another injury waiting to happen,” said the British Lions veteran.

Emotional Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan paid tribute to Wood, who had hinted at retirement before the tournament. “You’ve just seen the retirement of a legend,” O’Sullivan said.