Keith Wood may miss Ireland's first World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Romania and the match against South Africa after contract negotiations with the IRFU ended in stalemate. Wood's solicitors claim their client has been told by Ireland manager Donal Lenihan not to attend tomorrow's national squad gathering in Cork if he doesn't sign.

Wood, Ireland's Five Nations captain last season, also had his offer to play Test rugby for free rejected by Lenihan, IRFU president Noel Murphy and the union's contracts committee.

"The main point of contention in the contract for me has been the issue of my intellectual property rights," Wood said.

"I must stress that I am not seeking to be paid more than any other of the players in relation to my rugby activities. I accept that all players should be on the same level playing field."