Wood seeks deal despite health scare

NORTHAMPTON flanker Tom Wood is pushing for a new contract after recovering from a life-threatening blood clot on his lung. The former England star was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism last month after he woke up in pain in the middle of the night. Wood, 33, was treated at Northampton General Hospital before being welcomed back to light training this week by Saints boss Chris Boyd. Medics have ruled out Wood (below) for the remainder of the season, with Boyd already signing temporary cover in Jamie Gibson. ‘Tom came back on Monday and immediately put pressure on me for a year’s extension,’ said Boyd. ‘He reckons he’s never been fitter or friskier. He had a bit of a scare and ultimately they diagnosed that he had a pulmonary embolism that came out of one of his legs — much the same as a DVT. ‘He is on medication to keep his blood thin, but he can’t take contact as you can’t afford to take a bleed. He is on light duties.’ Wood took to Twitter yesterday to thank the doctors who cared for him. He said: ‘Thank you to everyone for the kind messages in relation to my little health blip. It was a strange/uncomfortable couple of days but I’m completely symptom free and training hard again now after passing a full MOT. ‘I’m unable to play though until I’m off blood thinners. ‘Would like to add a huge thanks to the @SaintsRugby medical staff and @NGHnhstrust for taking such good care of me. Considering the added challenges of covid, the speed and quality of diagnosis & treatment was incredible. I’m very grateful.’