By Noel O’Reilly
Keith Wood will make his long-awaited return to action for club side Harlequins this weekend after three months on the sidelines.
Wood has not played for club or country since tearing a calf muscle in mid-December, but the Ireland captain will lead out the Quins side against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.
Wood had originally hoped to return to action early in the New Year but was forced to delay his comeback repeatedly after the injury failed to respond to treatment.
"We are delighted that Keith has declared himself fit and is able to lead the team on Saturday," said NEC Harlequins chief executive Mark Evans.
"Everyone knows that this is an important game for NEC Harlequins and it will be a huge boost to the squad and our supporters to see Keith run out at the Stoop on Saturday afternoon".
The inspirational hooker’s return to competitive action will be a welcome fillip for Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan as the Six Nations campaign enters its latter stages.
In the absence of the Number 2, the Irish lineout has misfired badly, and O’Sullivan will hope his captain can add some sorely needed stability at the set-piece.
With a league match under his belt, Wood should be fit to face Italy at Lansdowne Road on Saturday week and, barring further setbacks, will be in place to captain Ireland in the likely championship decider against France a fortnight later.