Keith Wood Reflects on Rugby, Family, and Ireland's Six Nations Journey
In a candid interview, former Ireland hooker and captain Keith Wood opens up about his deep connection to rugby, shaped by family legacy and personal loss. Wood, now 54, recently watched his youngest son, Tom, play for Ireland Under-20s against Italy, continuing a tradition that spans generations. His father, Gordon Wood, played for Munster, Ireland, and the Lions before passing away when Keith was just 10. Tragically, Keith's older brother, also named Gordon, died of a heart attack at 42 in 2002, just days before the birth of Keith's son Alexander.
A Family Steeped in Rugby and Resilience
Wood speaks with measured wisdom about balancing pride and pressure. "Pride is the wrong word," he says when asked about his son Tom's achievements. "My pride in my son does not rely on somebody else selecting him. We're really happy for him, but I see how hard all my kids work." He emphasizes that rugby was never the be-all and end-all in their household, a lesson instilled by his strong-willed mother. Wood makes a point to attend his sons' matches without overshadowing their moments, allowing them to carve their own paths.
His three sons—Alexander, Gordon, and Tom—all play rugby, with the latter two in Munster's academy while juggling university studies. Wood admires the resilience rugby has fostered in them, particularly Alexander, who has undergone five operations but gained immense courage from the sport.
Ireland's Six Nations Challenges and Rebuilding Phase
Turning to the current state of Irish rugby, Wood offers a nuanced perspective. Ireland's Six Nations campaign began with a heavy 36-14 loss to France in Paris, a match where Wood notes they lacked intent early on. "In the first 20 minutes, if you don't match France's passion, aggression, and innate confidence, the game drifts away," he explains. He attributes part of Ireland's struggles to the physical and mental toll of the Lions tour, which included 15 Irish players. "In the year after a Lions series, every player that went on that tour is wrecked," Wood states, highlighting fatigue and injuries among older squad members.
Wood believes Ireland is in a dip and needs to integrate younger, more powerful players. "We might have a few hard losses and we have to rebuild," he says, cautioning against recency bias in punditry. He praises the fresh energy brought by players like Stuart McCloskey in Ireland's 20-13 win over Italy, noting his risk-taking led to a stunning try. Wood contrasts former coach Joe Schmidt's manufactured style with Andy Farrell's efforts to evolve, though wins remain crucial.
Insights on England, Scotland, and France
Wood also comments on other Six Nations teams. He observes that England, despite a 12-game winning streak, were humbled 31-20 by Scotland, who he calls "exhilarating" with exceptional aggression and discipline. For England, he suggests the defeat could be beneficial, urging them to focus less on referees and more on gameplay.
On France, Wood expresses fascination with coach Fabien Galthié's unconventional strategies, such as selecting versatile players and avoiding traditional set-pieces. "France play the best rugby," he says, naming them his favourite team to watch. He believes France has the potential to win the next World Cup, though consistency remains key.
Embracing Joy in Rugby and Life
Wood reflects on his career with a mix of appreciation and hindsight. "I really loved my career, but I wish I'd enjoyed it more and soaked it up a little more," he admits. He finds joy in under-20s rugby, where freedom and experimentation thrive, and shares a poignant Muhammad Ali quote about evolving perspectives with age.
As for his son Tom, Wood concludes with heartfelt pride: "His feet are firmly on the ground. He's appreciating every minute of rugby and life." This interview underscores Wood's balanced view of sport as a vehicle for growth, resilience, and family bonds, amid the highs and lows of professional rugby.
