Gordon Wood played for Munster, as well as Ireland and the Lions, before he died, aged 50, in 1982. We’re really happy for him, but I see how hard all my kids work.’“I love what the game has given them. Photograph: Billy Stickland/InphoThat healthy reflection means Wood is ideally placed to offer a measured insight into Irish rugby. Ireland's Keith Wood scores one of his four tries against the USA in the 1999 World Cup. But then you look at the performance of the players he’s picked instead and it’s been extraordinary.

Source: The Irish Times February 16, 2026 15:02 UTC