IRELAND hooker Keith Wood one of the four Irish players chosen for the Lions tour, is eagerly looking forward to his return to the game after almost three months absence tonight. He is in the Harlequins team to play Saracens at the Stoop Memorial ground in the English League Division One.

Wood has not played since he damaged a shoulder playing for Ireland against France on January 18th. He subsequently had to undergo an operation on the shoulder.

"I have got medical clearance to play again," said Wood yesterday. "I had hoped to play a week or two ago but delayed my return. Obviously it is very important to me in the Lions context that I come through. I hope I can last the full 80 minutes. Obviously I am lacking match fitness."