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Keith Wood reflects on rugby, family, and Ireland's future
16 Feb
Summary
- Keith Wood's son, Tom, follows in his father's and grandfather's footsteps playing for Ireland.
- Wood shares profound insights on grief, resilience, and the cyclical nature of sports.
- He believes Ireland's rugby team needs rebuilding with younger, powerful players.
Former Ireland hooker Keith Wood reflects on his family's deep rugby heritage, with his youngest son, Tom, recently following in his father's and grandfather's footsteps by playing for Ireland U20s and Munster.
Wood, who has experienced significant personal loss, including the deaths of his father and brother, emphasizes resilience and acceptance. He views his sons' engagement with rugby through a lens of life lessons learned, not just achievements.
Assessing the current Irish rugby landscape, Wood suggests the team is in a dip. He advocates for integrating younger, more powerful players, noting that the demanding Lions tour and player injuries contribute to a jaded performance. He observes that while the system has been strong, cycles of success require adaptation and rebuilding.
Wood also comments on other Six Nations teams, acknowledging Italy's upward trajectory and France's dynamic, unpredictable play. He praises France's current style as the most exciting to watch. He also touches on England's recent defeat and the lessons learned from it, advocating for more adaptable game plans.
Looking ahead, Wood expresses optimism for France's potential in the World Cup, while also highlighting their capacity for inconsistency. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of enjoying rugby and life, particularly for his son Tom, whose grounded approach he admires.
