Tom Wood not worried about long-term future

Northampton Saints flanker Tom Wood insists that he believes on a "live fast" approach as he is set to represent England in the upcoming Six Nations opener against France at Twickenham on 4th February.

Injuries has hampered the red rose team's preparation in the Six Nations tournament as Chris Robshaw has undergone a shoulder surgery while Billy Vunipola is ruled out of the early rounds of the tournament with a knee injury and there are doubts on James Haskell's participation in the opening game against Guy Noves' men.

Admitting the number of injuries is on a rise ever since his professional career started in 2007, the 30-year-old wants to enjoy the present and be competitive.

"I'm not worried about the long-term - live fast. It feels like a different sport to when I started. I am very conscious of that," Wood said.

"I am sure there'll be some aching bones, but I wouldn't trade all of this for a comfortable elderly life with no aching joints.

"It's always been a tough game and I've always played hard, but the rate of collisions these days is unbelievable.

"I'm not worried about that, I enjoy it. That's why I play it. That tough nature of it is backing it up week after week, but you want it to be fierce and competitive, you want that level of attrition.

"That's part of what I pride myself on, that's how I like it and why I got into the sport.

"But it is difficult to back it up week after week, and everyone's due their injury, so you have to take it as it comes."

The upcoming Six Nations campaign will also see Wood locking horns with his Northampton team-mate and France number eight Louis Picamoles and the former Saxons player is wary of the challenge ahead.

"Louis has shown me how to hurdle would-be defenders. He has taught me to expect the unexpected when playing alongside him," he said.

"He gets himself into situations where you think there's no chance of an off-load coming but he manages to get one away.

"He rides tackles and is very unorthodox in his ball-carrying. He doesn't necessarily carry the ball hard at the line or hit it at a huge pace.

"He waits for you to make your move and he has got such big legs you can't get your arms around them at once.

"And he has got such balance that as you commit to the tackle he just palms you into the floor, shifts his hips so you can't get hold of him so he is making ground all the time, making his arms available then for the off-load.

"He's a great player. I've played against him a few times and have always had my hands full trying to deal with him. I'm glad he's on my side at the Saints."