TOM WOOD needed life-saving surgery after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his lungs. The Northampton Saints and England ace returned to full training on Monday but will miss the start of the season. Flanker Wood, 33, was treated at hospital in Northampton after the shock discovery. Saints boss Chris Boyd said: “We’re naturally […]
TOM WOOD needed life-saving surgery after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his lungs.
The Northampton Saints and England ace returned to full training on Monday but will miss the start of the season.
Flanker Wood, 33, was treated at hospital in Northampton after the shock discovery.
Saints boss Chris Boyd said: “We’re naturally disappointed that Woody will not be available for when things kick off again on August 16.
“But he’s an excellent professional and we know he’ll rehab diligently to hopefully be back in contention before the end of the current season.”
A pulmonary embolism is a blocked blood vessel in the lungs and in some instances can be life-threatening if not treated rapidly.
Symptoms can include chest or back back, difficulty breathing and coughing up blood.
Wood, who has 50 England caps, secured a new contract earlier in the season after playing enough rugby to trigger an extension.
With the rugby season set to continue on August 14, Saints are on course to get their campaign back underway by hosting Wasps two days later.
Boyd’s side are currently fourth and therefore in with a chance of securing a play-off place.
Clubs facing point deductions if stars break coronavirus lockdown rules like cricket’s Jofra Archer.
Players must sign up to a rigorous code of conduct when the sport returns this month.
The protocols around away trips will be crucial. After being tested before matches, players will have to stay in hotels and not have contact with anyone outside a team environment.
Those breaching the regulations could get bans and fines and see their club docked ten points.
They will also have to travel to matches in at least two separate coaches — just like Premier League players did for Project Restart.
