He was nicknamed 'The Raging Potato' because of his bald head, and as 'Uncle Fester' due to his resemblance to the character in The Addams Family.

Never the most accurate player in the set piece his real strength was in leadership and open play where he dominated the world XV's hooker spot.

He played on the 1997 and 2001 Lions tours, and was the inaugural winner of the IRB International Player of the Year award in 2001.

The previous record for international tries by hookers (or players at any position in the tight five) was 12, set by Sean Fitzpatrick of the New Zealand All Blacks.

Wood's record has since been beaten for tight-five players by current USA front-rower Joe Taufete'e.