Keith Wood will soon play his last game for Harlequins

Injury-hit Ireland and Lions hooker Keith Wood is leaving his English club Harlequins as agreed this summer - and is not being released as some reports have indicated.

Despite the news, Wood remains confident of being available for Ireland's World Cup campaign in the autumn as he has been given the all-clear to resume full training.

Quins said in a statement that Wood requested a 12-month contract when he signed for the west London club in 2002 as he intended to retire from club rugby in May 2003.

The club insisted that he had not been released on form or fitness grounds.

"In the seven years he has spent at the club, Keith's contribution to Harlequins as a player, person and leader cannot be underestimated," said Mark Evans, NEC Harlequins Chief Executive.

"On behalf of everyone at Quins, I wish Keith every success and happiness in the future, and look forward to some outstanding performances from him in the World Cup this autumn; the tournament deserves a player of his calibre.

"It is extremely disappointing that injury prevents Keith from playing for Quins again before he leaves us in the summer, but it was agreed by both sides that this would be his last season of club rugby."

I'm going to train full-time in Limerick with all the other players who are hoping to get to the World Cup Keith

Wood, one of the most dynamic and influential players in world rugby when fit, has started just three Premiership games this term.

He has not featured since appearing as a second-half substitute during Quins' Powergen Cup win over Leeds just before Christmas.

Wood missed Ireland's three autumn Tests, which included a victory over world champions Australia, and the entire RBS Six Nations programme.

A neck injury, and then prolonged shoulder trouble, combined to wreck Wood's season.

Wood has now received medical clearance to resume training and is confident that he will be available for the World Cup build-up games against Wales, Scotland and Italy in August.

"I'm not going to take any holidays over the summer," said Wood.