“So, it’s really important to me that I am in genuine contention for a starting spot – that’s been the case this year, so I hope to continue that moving forwards.
“I hope I set a good example around the Club by the way I play and conduct myself, and that my experience does rub off on some of the youngsters.
“As a group, we know we are capable of so much more than we have delivered this year. That’s hopefully part of our development and we’ll learn the lessons we need to ahead of next season, and be better for it.”
Capable of playing across all three back row positions, Wood will always be remembered at Franklin’s Gardens for scoring the last-gasp decisive try in the 2014 Premiership semi-final against Leicester Tigers, before captaining Northampton in two finals during Saints’ double-winning season.
He has also amassed 50 caps for England during his time at the Club; appearing at two Rugby World Cups, captaining his country on three occasions, and helping the Red Rose to a Six Nations triumph in 2017.
And Saints’ Director of Rugby, Chris Boyd, is thrilled Wood opted to stay on at Franklin’s Gardens.
He said: “Woody brings a massive amount of experience and leadership to our group, and you absolutely can’t underestimate the contributions he has made on the field this season – he’s played very well.
“He still feels like he is mentally and physically capable of making a big contribution next season, and is a great lieutenant for Alex Waller and Lewis Ludlam around the place.
“In any organisation – elite sport or otherwise – it is so important to have people within that are deeply, emotionally connected to that organisation.
“Woody’s that sort of guy; he was never looking to play his rugby anywhere else, and while he’s well set-up for his post-rugby life whenever his retirement comes, he’s not ready to hang up his boots just yet which is great news for Northampton Saints.”
