Northampton Saints' Tom Wood glad to 'vent frustration'

Wood was last season's Aviva Premiership Player of the Year

Northampton Saints back row Tom Wood says playing in the LV= Cup win over Saracens helped the returning England players to "vent a few frustrations".

Wood played just over an hour at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand before returning for Saints' 36-6 victory.

The 24-year-old told BBC Radio Northampton: "To have a good run around was exactly what a few of us needed, venting a few frustrations.

"It doesn't take the hurt away but at least we can look forward now."

A hat-trick of tries from Russian wing Vasily Artemyev, and two from senior academy wing Jamie Elliott, helped Saints to a bonus-point win at Franklin's Gardens.

"It was good to be back in front of home fans and get the win," added Wood.

"The coaches and the squad made it really easy for me to come back in - it's simple things done at 100 miles per hour.

"I just tried to get some fitness under my belt and offer something to the team."

Wood believes that the future is bright for Saints, who had a poor start to the season but recovered to beat Exeter Chiefs before the international players returned.

"We've got more strength in depth, there's competition for places and a lot of guys [have] put their hands up for starting roles in the future.

"I've got my work cut out getting back in the side now."