Harlequins hooker Ward hits out at Saints star Wood on Twitter

England captain Chris Robshaw (right) and Tom Wood leave the field dejected after the Rugby World Cup match at Twickenham Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday September 26, 2015. See PA story RUGBYU England. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Strictly no commercial use or association without RWCL permission. Still image use only. Use implies acceptance of Section 6 of RWC 2015 T&Cs at: http://bit.ly/1MPElTL Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further info.

Harlequins hooker Dave Ward has launched a Twitter attack on Saints star Tom Wood.

Ward, who has history of taking to social media to criticise Wood, has hit out following an article that appeared in the Daily Mail in the wake of England’s World Cup exit.

Wood was asked whether he would take on the England captaincy if it was offered to him and he replied: “We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.

“If I was asked to do it for the benefit of the team, I’d consider it very carefully and probably front up.

“I haven’t been asked and I don’t resent that. I love playing for England and take every opportunity as it comes.”

The headline read: “Tom Wood makes a pitch for the job as England captain if Chris Robshaw is axed in Rugby World Cup exit fall-out.”

Ward, a club-mate of Robshaw, has taken offence.

Ward, who was released by Saints in October, 2008, tweeted: “Reading @tomwood678 article in the Mail, with friends like that who needs enemies. How about the 47 pens you gave against Wales...”

Wood replied with: “What exactly has upset u? You seem to have acquired a stronger voice since our last chat?”

Ward said: “Voice always been strong just know when 2 use it. I can teach u sometime if u want, kicking a man when he’s down is never the 1.”

Wood tried to take the gentlemanly approach, replying: “Direct message me ur number so we can have a chat.

“Who’s been kicked? What article? Ring me and stop acting tough on here.”

But Ward replied with a video of him stealing the ball from Wood in a game between Saints and Harlequins, with the words: “Lesson No1 how to turn the ball over..”

Wood concluded with: “Ok that’s enough. I’m assuming ur account has been hacked or you’ve lost a bet. #nobottle.”

And when one observer suggested a charity boxing match between the pair, Wood said: “Wouldn’t raise any money or last very long.”

Ward has previously criticised Wood on Twitter, taking to the site after England’s World Cup opening night win against Fiji.

The Harlequins player said: “Tom Woods unseen work is so good even i don’t see it. Bring in a game changer @jackclifford93 #overrated.”