Keith Wood says players are wrecked after a Lions series

Former Ireland hooker Keith Wood reflects on his rugby family and Ireland's form, and says players who toured with the Lions are physically and mentally "wrecked" after a series.

Keith Wood, the former Ireland hooker and captain, drove to Cork to watch his youngest son Tom play in the Under-20 Six Nations and spoke about family, loss and rugby. He reflected on a long playing career and on how the sport has shaped his three sons. Wood also discussed Ireland's recent results and the physical toll international touring has taken on players. His comments come as Ireland prepare to face England away later this week. Key points: - Wood has three sons involved in rugby; Tom made his Munster debut and scored 10 points in Ireland Under-20s' 30-27 win over Italy. - He said Ireland supplied 15 of the 38-man Lions squad and that, in the year after a Lions series, "every player that went on that tour is wrecked" physically and mentally. - Ireland's senior team beat Italy 20-13 in Dublin, and Wood praised Italy's improvement and physicality. - He described Ireland as being in a dip and said the team needs younger, more powerful players to be brought through. - Wood commended France and coach Fabien Galthié for selection choices and an expansive style of play. Summary: Wood combines personal reflection with analysis of the international game, noting the physical and mental cost of Lions tours on players and a period of uneven form for Ireland. He calls for younger players to be introduced as part of a rebuild, and Ireland face England away on Saturday as their next major fixture. The longer-term impact on selection and results is being watched by coaches and supporters.