Harlequins Irish international hooker Keith Wood has been awarded the International Rugby Board Player of the Year for 2001.

Wood beat Australian duo George Gregan and George Smith, Irish team-mate Brian ODriscoll and England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson to the award.

On the field, Harlequins consolidated their position in the Zurich Premiership after a keenly contested 13-13 draw at Northampton Saints last Friday.

Quins, missing international quartet Dan Luger, Jason Leonard, Wood and Will Greenwood, could have headed back to the capital with all four points.

John Kingstons players stormed into a 13-3 lead, given to them by a Matt Moore try and two penalties, plus a conversion from Paul Burke.

The home side came back in the second half and snatched a share of the spoils.

Ali Hepher kicked three points to bring the Saints to within a converted try of Quins.

That try came nine minutes from time when Hepher crossed the line and kicked the conversion.

Harlequins host Saracens tomorrow at the Stoop. Bill Davison and Tony Diprose will face their former employers for the first time since leaving Vicarage Road in the summer.