England international Tom Wood pens new deal with Northampton Saints
Tom Wood has played 168 Premiership games
©PA
England international Tom Wood has signed a new one-year deal with Northampton Saints that will keep him with the Gallagher Premiership at least until the end of the 2019/20 season.
The 32-year-old made his professional rugby debut with North Otago in 2006 before joining to Worcester Warriors a year later. Having featured in close to 50 Premiership games with the Sixways outfit, Wood switched to Northampton Saints in 2011. In his debut season with the Saints, he was named Premiership Player of the Season.
Wood also captained the Saints during the 2013/14 season where the club went on to win both the Premiership and European Challenge Cup titles. He is also closing on a 200 appearances for the club including 120 matches in the Premiership for the Franklin's Gardens outfit.
“I’ve made it clear from the beginning that it was always my first choice to stay here with Northampton Saints, so the decision for me was a straightforward one,” he told in a statement released by the club.
“I feel as fit as ever and I believe we are on the right track towards success under the guidance of Chris Boyd and our other coaches – so I’m really enjoying my rugby.
“I care very deeply about this Club and our passionate supporters; I’m desperate to help get us back to the very top of European rugby and to finish my career on a high at Franklin’s Gardens.
“I want to thank everyone at Saints for showing faith in me and giving me this opportunity to fulfil that aim.”
The 6 ft 5 in flanker has played 50 Tests for England since his debut in 2011 and was last seen at the international level during the 2017 Six Nations.
“Woody’s been one of this Club’s most faithful servants over the last decade, and since I have been in Northampton, I’ve been taken aback by his dedication to get back to his very best," Northampton director of rugby Chris Boyd.
“When I arrived he had some injury concerns but he has worked incredibly hard to get that right, and his performances since returning to the side have been top class.
“Not only is he a well-respected leader in the dressing room, Tom’s abilities all over the park and in the set-piece make him a great option for us, so we’re delighted to keep him on board.”
