However a foot injury meant that wasn’t forthcoming, Wood didn’t feature at all as England ended as runners-up, while his appearances for Northampton have been sporadic at best.

Wood hasn’t played for the Saints since March and, as much as he wants to tour South Africa this summer, he knows ensuring he is fully recovered from injury is the main priority.

“Having not played any rugby in the tail end of the season and not being fit to put my best foot forward for the Saints I can’t go on that tour with any run of form or fitness,” said Wood.

“So I don’t think that’s a wise move at this stage and the lads have been going very well without me so I wish them the best of luck.

“I sacrificed the Six Nations in the hope I could get this right and peak for this time of the season for the semi-finals and finals or whatever we managed to get to.

“And then to go on a summer tour fully fit and re-energised after missing quite a few games but it hasn’t panned out like that and I have spoken to Stuart Lancaster.”