The Harlequins hooker had been set to start as Ireland begin their preparations for their qualifying campaign for the World Cup, which starts in October next year.

Ireland team spokesman John Redmond said: "I understand Keith's brother's death this morning was heart-related."

Munster number eight Anthony Foley will skipper Ireland on his home ground of Thomond Park in Limerick, also the home of his club Shannon.

The 28-year-old has skippered Ireland in the past but he only proved his fitness for the Romanian game on Wednesday after overcoming bruised ribs.

Wood's place will be filled by Leinster's Shane Byrne, while Ulster's Paul Shields has been called into the replacements.

The uncapped Shields was scheduled to be on the bench for Ulster's Celtic League game against Edinburgh on Friday evening.

The Ireland A international's place in the Ulster replacements is taken by Nigel Brady.

Shields said his call-up to the Irish squad had come as a major shock.

"I was shopping when I got the call and I was so shocked that I dropped a tin of beans on my foot," said Shields.

'Preparation'

"I was preparing for to get really geared up for the Ulster game against Edinburgh on Friday night but now I've got something else to look forward to," he added.

Meanwhile, Wood has said that he is quitting Harlequins at the end of this season - leading to speculation that he may retire.

Wood told The Sun: "The only definite thing is that I'm finishing at Quins this May.

"The best way to prepare for the World Cup is to be at home from that point on.

"As to what happens after the World Cup, well that's the big question, isn't it? The situation is I'll have a look at how I'm feeling."