TONY WOODCOCK’S INTERNATIONAL CAREER has come to a premature end after the New Zealand prop suffered a hamstring injury at the Rugby World Cup.
The 34-year-old came off early in the second half of the All Blacks’ 47-9 victory over Tonga on Friday, having scored a first-half try at St James’ Park.
Woodcock was forced off soon after the restart and coach Steve Hansen confirmed on Saturday that his tournament is over, bringing his planned retirement forward.
The news means Woodcock will not add to his 118 New Zealand caps, while he will be replaced in the squad by Canterbury and Crusaders forward Joe Moody.
It’s obviously gutting and disappointing for Woody,” said Hansen. “He has played his last Test. New Zealanders should be very proud.”
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New Zealand’s victory ensured a fourth win from as many matches in Pool C, leaving them awaiting either France or Ireland in the quarter-finals.
Injury puts All Blacks prop out of the World Cup and into international retirement
TONY WOODCOCK’S INTERNATIONAL CAREER has come to a premature end after the New Zealand prop suffered a hamstring injury at the Rugby World Cup.
The 34-year-old came off early in the second half of the All Blacks’ 47-9 victory over Tonga on Friday, having scored a first-half try at St James’ Park.
Woodcock was forced off soon after the restart and coach Steve Hansen confirmed on Saturday that his tournament is over, bringing his planned retirement forward.
The news means Woodcock will not add to his 118 New Zealand caps, while he will be replaced in the squad by Canterbury and Crusaders forward Joe Moody.
New Zealand’s victory ensured a fourth win from as many matches in Pool C, leaving them awaiting either France or Ireland in the quarter-finals.
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All Blacks Injury New Zealand Prop rwc 15 Tony Woodcock