Former Old Golds loose forward Tom Wood, who earned 50 test caps for England, has announced his retirement from the game, at least at the professional level.
He only spent one season in New Zealand but made a big impression as a strapping youngster in 2006 when he played for the Valley club for 10 games (scoring four tries) in the gold jersey.
"My dad always used to say, ‘If you want to do the best in your studies, go to the best university in the world', so it made sense for me to play in New Zealand to become the best rugby player," Wood said after he had become an England regular and reflected on his North Otago experience.
"My time there was predominantly about becoming a better rugby player. It wasn't a jolly holiday.
"I was a young lad and I got to play senior rugby against grown men. I had experienced players around me and learnt my trade."
Wood became a popular figure at Fat Sally’s in Oamaru — a framed jersey of his still hangs in the bar — and met his future wife, Sarah.
Publican Sally-Ann Donnelly said Wood was a "fabulous human"and she enjoyed catching up with him in England a few years ago.
Wood ended up playing 15 years in the English Rugby Premiership, captaining Northampton Saints to the league-cup double in 2014 after earlier playing for Worcester.
Wood (35) has not played much for the Saints this season due to injury but is a beloved figure at the club.
"Obviously, retiring is a difficult and emotional decision for any player," he said in a statement.
"I'm very proud of my playing career with both Saints and England. Having worked hard in recent years to set myself up for life after rugby, I'm excited for what the next chapter has in store."
Wood made his test debut against Wales in Cardiff in the opening game of the 2011 Six Nations, and later captained his country.
Former Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd, now Northampton’s director of rugby, said Wood had made a massive contribution to the Saints.
"If you look at his entire career in Northampton, there aren’t many people who have done more for the jersey in the history of the club," Boyd said.
"He’s been an incredible competitor and the ultimate team man."
