Retired Wood is in at the deep end

Keith Wood began life as a former rugby star today - by forgetting that he had actually retired.

The Irish captain was still soaking up the plaudits after announcing he had played his final game in yesterday's defeat to France. But he turned up for a compulsory squad recovery swim after a heavy night "of beer and more beer" before it dawned on him that he did not actually have to be there.

"I was one of the few players to turn up for the swim," he said ruefully. "I don't know whether that makes me a true professional or a rank amateur."

Looking forward to England's clash with France this weekend, Wood reckoned it was too close to call but added that he fancied the All Blacks to beat Australia in the other semi-final.