Keith Wood does not think it would be a good idea to rush Peter O'Mahony back for Ireland's November tests against New Zealand.
The Munster player made his return at the weekend in the Pro 12 after almost a year out with a knee injury and in his own words, said it will take a little bit of time to return to peak powers.
A key man in the Ireland team prior to his injury, ex-national team captain Keith believes it is best to take time in easing him back in order to protect the flanker.
"It's funny because I would've rushed back from every injury I ever had because you're eager to play and you want to don the green jersey and there's times I would have done that when I was entirely wrong to do it. And there were times that I was right to do it," he said.
"These are big injuries, big operations that Peter O'Mahony has had and it's been very, very tough for him. I'd like to make certain that we have him for years, not just for November. He'll get the best of advice and both Munster and Irish advice as to what he should do or shouldn't do.
"But when we are talking about the numbers we have in our back-row, it's for me too early for Sean O'Brien, too early for Peter O'Mahony. Let him get back and let him play. These are guys that have had many injuries and we want to try and have our best players on the field as long as we can get them."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
