Keith Wood, the former Ireland hooker and British & Irish Lion, reflects on a life interwoven with rugby, loss, and the cyclical nature of success and rebuilding. Speaking with a perspective shaped by personal tragedy and decades within the sport, Wood offered insights into the current state of Irish rugby, the challenges facing Andy Farrell’s squad, and the enduring impact of a Lions tour.
Wood’s connection to the game runs deep, extending through three generations. His father, Gordon Wood, played for Munster, Ireland, and the Lions before his untimely death in 1982 when Keith was just ten years old. The legacy continued with Wood himself achieving international success, and now with his sons – Alexander, Gordon, and Tom – all involved in the sport. Tom recently made his debut for Munster, mirroring his father and grandfather’s path, and played a key role in Ireland Under-20s’ recent victory over Italy.
The shadow of loss has been a constant companion for Wood. The death of his brother, Gordon, in 2002, just days before his son Alexander’s birth, and the subsequent passing of his mother, shaped his outlook on life and rugby. He describes a detachment, a pride in his sons’ achievements that isn’t contingent on their sporting success. “My pride in my son does not rely on somebody else selecting him,” he explained. “We’re really happy for him, but I see how hard all my kids work.”
This perspective informs his assessment of the Irish national team. Following a disappointing Six Nations campaign opener against France, where Ireland were soundly defeated 36-14, Wood acknowledged a dip in form but cautioned against overreaction. He pointed to the physical and mental toll of a Lions tour, noting that “in the year after a Lions series, every player that went on that tour is wrecked.” Fifteen Irish players were part of the 38-man Lions squad, and Wood believes the fatigue and strain are contributing to their current challenges.
Wood observed that Ireland lacked “intent” in the first half against France, failing to match the French passion and aggression. He also noted the aging of some key players and the need to integrate younger talent. However, he emphasized the cyclical nature of rugby, stating, “On any sine curve you’ll have peaks and troughs… I don’t think we’re in a trough but people look at it with a sense of recency bias.”
The recent 20-13 victory over Italy offered a glimmer of hope, with Wood praising the freshness brought by several new players. He highlighted the performance of Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey, whose “freedom of spirit” and willingness to take risks led to a stunning try. “McCloskey is [33] and I’d retired at that age,” Wood said. “With him you can talk about a freedom of spirit in his thinking.”
Looking ahead, Wood expressed admiration for the French team and their coach, Fabien Galthié. He described Galthié as an “unusual” thinker, pointing to his unconventional squad selections and tactical approaches. “I’m fascinated by Fabien Galthié,” Wood stated. “I know him pretty well and he’s unusual in his thinking.” He believes France have the potential to become the second northern hemisphere country to win the World Cup, but also acknowledged their capacity for self-destruction.
Wood also commented on England’s recent defeat to Scotland, suggesting they had become overly reliant on a rigid game plan. He noted their frustration and tendency to engage with the referee, advising them to let the captain handle such interactions. He praised Scotland’s performance, describing them as “exhilarating” and highlighting their aggression and discipline.
Throughout the conversation, Wood consistently returned to the importance of perspective and appreciating the journey. He recalled a quote from Muhammad Ali: “A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” He also reflected on his own career, wishing he had “enjoyed it more and soaked it up a little more.”
Wood’s reflections are a testament to the enduring power of rugby to shape lives, both on and off the field. He sees the sport as a source of courage, resilience, and joy, and emphasizes the importance of allowing young players to experience that freedom and appreciate every moment. As he watched his son Tom play for Ireland Under-20s, Wood was reminded that “sport is tough, and you never know where it’s going to end. This could be their high-water mark as players and, if it is, my God you have to enjoy it.”
