Northampton Saints and England flanker Tom Wood has confirmed that he will miss England's tour of South Africa in June so that he can recover from a foot injury.

Twenty-five-year-old Wood missed the whole of England's Six Nations campaign with the same problem.

Wood was linked with the England captaincy before Chris Robshaw was appointed England captain.

The flanker missed Premiership matches in February but returned to action in March but only managed five games before being sidelined again.

"I have spoken to (England head coach) Stuart Lancaster," nine-time capped Wood told BBC Radio Northampton.

"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.

"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."

Wood has not played for England since he came off the bench in England's Rugby World Cup 67-3 victory over Romania.

Wood says that he needs Significant rest to avoid surgery after suffering inflammation and partial separation of small bones in the ball of the foot.

England will play five matches in South Africa including three Tests with the first on June the 9th.