All Whites captain Chris Wood's goal scoring exploits in the English Premier League has been recognised, handed the inaugural Pride of New Zealand award at a banquet dinner in London.

The ceremony was organised by the New Zealand Society with Wood treated to a resounding haka afterwards.

“It's nice that I've been able to be recognised for what I've done over here in England and especially sharing the night with other famous Kiwis and successful Kiwis that have based themselves over in the UK.

“It was nice to spend some time around New Zealanders. Don't get many opportunities to do that, although I go away with a national team. But it was nice to interact with people that I don't normally interact with and have familiar faces and familiar sounds and the accents around and things like that and then get a taste of home with the food and the wine and it was a very good night.

“It's very nice that they speak like that. It's one that I know I have a big role to play in with what I do over here and how far it reaches back home, which is nice.

"I think anybody growing up, when you get to a certain level and things like that, you just want to inspire the next generation. We want more Kiwis playing in the Premier League or playing at high levels around the world and we've got a lot that do it."
 

Wood himself wants to get back to the field too and return for his English Premier League side Nottingham Forest after troublesome knee injury.

The Kiwi had surgery on his troublesome knee in December and hasn’t played since October last year.

"It's been not a nice time, injuries isn't great.

"The manner of the injury has not been perfect because we've tried different things and had setbacks and having to go down different routes of surgery and things like that so, it's not been smooth sailing.

"It's frustrating not being able to help the team, especially when I'm watching on the sidelines and things like that and knowing I could potentially help if I was involved. But I've got to make sure I get myself right, get myself ready, so I can then help the team when I get back and fit."

The striker says he’s entered the next phase of his recovery, allaying fears he won’t be fit for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The development means he’s a step closer to returning to the field before the end of English Premier League season and aid his club in their Europa League pursuit.

Last week the striker was included in Nottingham Forest's UEFA A List for the knockout stage of the Europa League.

“Had some positive news yesterday from the surgeon to say I can go on to the next stages and things like that so, it's better for my rehab now.

“It's getting better day by day, which is great.

“I'm thinking that I need to work hard to be able to get myself back, fit, right, ready for the end of the season and then on to the offseason and into next year.”

The 34-year-old says this year’s historic FIFA World Cup 2026 is also part of his focus.

The tournament in North America is set to be Wood’s second FIFA World Cup experience, after being part of the memorable 2010 squad in South Africa where the All Whites were eliminated in the group stage despite drawing their three matches.

“That's another thing that I want to be fit for (FIFA World Cup 2026), as well as the run-in for the rest of the Premier League season and hopefully the European campaign that we'll still hopefully be involved in.

“There's a lot on the horizon which will be fantastic to be a part of, and the World Cup is definitely one of them.

“It's something that I've always dreamed of, going back to the World Cup after South Africa back in 2010. So yeah, it was a massive part when we qualified to know that we're going back there. So, a lot of it is geared up for that as well.”

Wood says after playing in England for nearly two decades, the All Whites enables him to stay connected with Kiwi culture.

“I've always wanted to stay true to my home country and my roots and what I love to do. So, when I can and my body allows me that I'm available to play, I want to go back and play for my country and be a part of it. It's a massive part of who I am as being a Kiwi and I don't ever want to forget that.

“I mean, we've had a lot of Kiwis playing across the world at great levels, but we've only had six ever play in the Premier League and that's something you've got to be extremely proud of.

“I want to inspire other people to be able to come to this country and do what I do and play in the Premier League. It's regarded as the best league in the world. And that's where everybody aspires to be and it's just about showing them that it's possible.”

Article added: Friday 13 February 2026