- Date of Birth27 / 01 / 1972
- Lions Tours1997, 2001
- International CapsIreland / Lions.
- Lions Origins SchoolsSt Munchin's College Limerick
- Lions Origins ClubsMunster, Harlequins, Garryowen, Barbarians
Legendary Irish hooker Keith Wood featured in two Tours, playing in five Test matches in total and, in 1997, contributed to the defeat of world champions South Africa – only the third time in history the Springboks have lost a series on home soil.
Named in a 35-man party for 1997, Wood had Mark Regan and Barry Williams to compete with for the No.2 jersey in South Africa.
But it was Wood who got the nod and he marshalled the pack superbly for the memorable first and second Test victories in Cape Town then Durban, but was replaced by Regan for the third Test defeat in Johannesburg.
Wood was back to pull on the red jersey in Australia in 2001 and captained the Lions for the opening match of the Tour against Western Australia.
He started all three Tests under the leadership of Martin Johnson but this time they fell agonisingly short as the Wallabies came from behind for a 2-1 series win.
Later that year Wood was the first ever recipient of the IRB World Player of the Year award.
Named in a 35-man party for 1997, Wood had Mark Regan and Barry Williams to compete with for the No.2 jersey in South Africa.
But it was Wood who got the nod and he marshalled the pack superbly for the memorable first and second Test victories in Cape Town then Durban, but was replaced by Regan for the third Test defeat in Johannesburg.
Wood was back to pull on the red jersey in Australia in 2001 and captained the Lions for the opening match of the Tour against Western Australia.
He started all three Tests under the leadership of Martin Johnson but this time they fell agonisingly short as the Wallabies came from behind for a 2-1 series win.
Later that year Wood was the first ever recipient of the IRB World Player of the Year award.