Mallinder salutes Wood after Saints flanker's '˜cracking season'

The flanker was an influential figure throughout the campaign, helping to ensure Saints didn’t struggle too much without the 2014/15 double player of the year, Calum Clark.

Wood, who has been forced to have neck surgery following an attritional campaign, played through the pain barrier during April and May as Northampton finished fifth in the Aviva Premiership.

And Mallinder couldn’t have been happier with the work of the 29-year-old, who will now take a well-earned break after making 22 appearances during the previous season.

“He’s had a cracking season,” said the director of rugby.

“People talk about Woody in terms of being international class - is it disappointing for him not to be playing international rugby?

“I think, week in, week out, Tom has put in international standard performances.”