Northampton Saints legend Tom Wood will hang up his boots at the end of the 2021/22 season after an incredible 12 seasons at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
The 35-year-old flanker made 240 appearances in Black, Green and Gold, scoring 22 tries along the way, but will retire from professional rugby next month to become a full-time carpenter.
Since making his Club debut back in 2010, Coventry-born Wood has written himself into Northampton folklore and joined Saints’ revered ‘200 club’ back in 2019.
In a career laden with silverware, the athletic and abrasive back row forward claimed Gallagher Premiership (2014), European Challenge Cup (2014), Premiership Rugby Cup (2019), and Premiership Player of the Season (2011) titles during his tenure at the Club, as well as helping Saints reach the Heineken Cup final in 2011.
Wood has been out of action since February after sustaining a shoulder injury against Leicester Tigers, but reflects on a long and successful career in Black, Green and Gold with great fondness.
“Northampton Saints has been such a big part of my life and I’ve made some very special memories. I feel privileged to have been able to pull on the jersey here for the past 12 seasons alongside some incredible players,” he said.
“Obviously, retiring is a difficult and emotional decision for any player. I’ve not been able to make as much of a contribution on the pitch as I’d have liked this season due to injury, but that’s the nature of professional sport.
“I’m very proud of my playing career with both Saints and England, and I want to thank all of Saints’ supporters who have embraced me during my time here.
“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.”
The other jobs of England’s best Six Nations rugby players
Here are some of the jobs England's top players have away from rugby...
#1. JACK NOWELL - CLOTHES & PUB
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall. Sitting on the harbourfront, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere. He is also a director of .
#2. JAMIE GEORGE - PHYSIOTHERAPY
The Carter & George practice clinic, which offers first-class physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, is the joint venture of George and experienced physiotherapist and best friend Rhys Carter.
#3. GEORGE KRUIS - FOURFIVE CBD
It was from personal experiences with recovery from injuries that Kruis discovered cannabidiol (CBD) and from their positive reactions with the product he set up fourfivecbd – a range of balms, oils, gels and capsules that incorporates CBD. Their products are now sold in Next and on their website here.
#4. MARO ITOJE - PODCASTER
He launched the podcast series Pearl Conversations, which featured prominent Black role models. He is also a supporter of the educational charity The Black Curriculum, which is focused on introducing more Black British history into the UK curriculum.
He has also done a lot of modelling, which includes shoots for Ralph Lauren and Marks & Spencer this year.
#5. MANU TUILAGI - ALCOHOL
Making a Tuilagi Gin was often talked about in the early hours of the morning by the brothers after many gin and tonics. As there are fifteen players on the rugby pitch, they have added fifteen botanicals to their gin. Some of the botanicals they use in their recipe are; Juniper, Coriander, Orris, Sage, Thyme, Mac cloves, Lavender, Rose and Orange peel.
