Wasps' message for Eddie Jones about 'born-winner' Jack Willis

Wasps boss Lee Blackett is urging England boss Eddie Jones to take the born-winner Jack Willis on the three-Test July tour of Australia following the back rower’s successful return from serious injury. Willis was out for 53 weeks after injuring his leg playing for England against Italy in February 2021 but has helped Wasps into the last eight of the European Challenge Cup where they face Edinburgh.

His club have put together a seven-game unbeaten home run which they now hope to extend when they take on Worcester on Saturday in the Gallagher Premiership. 

During that time, Blackett has seen Willis regain the fitness he needs to be effective in both attack and defence in his six comeback games so far and the head coach reckons the summer tour would be a perfect way for his player to prove he is ready for the step up to Test rugby again. 

What the All Blacks squad could look like halfway through Super Rugby Pacific | Aotearoa Rugby Pod

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What the All Blacks squad could look like halfway through Super Rugby Pacific | Aotearoa Rugby Pod

Blackett said: “It is great to have Jack back after his horrific injury and I’m happy with a lot of aspects of his game and he is going to get better. He has got to be in Eddie Jones’ mind for the summer tour and his carries have been really good in attack.

“He used to focus on his jackal and it was the biggest thing he worked on but defensively he has worked really hard on his tackle technique and the jackal is just Jack because instinctively he is one of the best. 

“I’m really pleased with the way he has returned and how fast he has come back and by the summer he will be putting real pressure to be on the tour with England. Jack is just a competitor and that is the No1 thing with him and I cannot imagine what the family garden was like when he was growing up with his brother (Tom). You see that edge and he is a born-winner and just wants desperately to win. You know when you have someone like that when you put them on the rugby field the desire to win will take over.

“Jack has always been quite opinionated and is a big leader for us and has a role within the club. I know I’m always going to get the truth and he is straight to the point. His desire to win means he is very driven and I love that character in him. He is really passionate about the club and being successful and that is any coach’s dream.”