 Keith Wood hopes his injury troubles are over |
Ireland hooker Keith Wood has staked his claim for a World Cup place by declaring himself fully recovered from a serious shoulder injury. Injury forced Wood out on Ireland's most successful season in recent years and he was released by Harlequins at the end of the Zurich Premiership campaign.
There were fears the 31-year-old could might miss the World Cup, which starts in Australia in October, but the Lions hooker continued his rehabilitation by going on Ireland's summer tour to Australia, Tonga and Samoa in a non-playing role.
The 31-year-old said he came close to playing towards the end of the trip.
"I tested my shoulder to the full in training, full contact, full scrummaging. There were no repercussions," said Wood.
Since leaving Harlequins, Wood, capped 51 times by Ireland, has returned to his roots in County Clare.
"I am back in Ireland until after the World Cup," he said.
"The family are back living in Killaloe. Ireland have constant training camps through the summer which suits me ideally. But I am also training with the Munster guys all the time."
MMIX
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