Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Worst news for Wasps flanker and England hopeful Willis

Jack Willis, Wasps

Fears that Wasps flanker Jack Willis had seriously injured his knee during Saturday’s Aviva Premiership semi-final against Saracens were confirmed today, as Wasps announced that the back-rower was looking at nine to 12 months out.

ADVERTISEMENT

Willis has suffered significant multiple-ligament injury to his right knee, including a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament, after it came into contact with the head of Owen Farrell at Allianz Park.

Not only does this end Willis’ hopes of making his England debut on the tour of South Africa next month, it will also wipe out most, if not all, of his 2018/19 season, throwing any hopes he had of making England’s Rugby World Cup squad into serious jeopardy.

The flanker now faces a long spell on the sidelines and a tough and testing rehabilitation process.

Willis had been included in Eddie Jones’ squad to take on the Springboks and it remains to be seen whether or not the Australian will call for reinforcements or stick with the previously selected squad. There was likely to be a tough competition for places in South Africa, with Jones having also included Chris Robshaw, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Mark Wilson, Sam Simmonds and Billy Vunipola in the back-row, as well as incoming Kiwi Brad Shields.

Video Spacer

The injury could also prompt Wasps into strengthening this summer, with a season-long injury joker likely high on their list of priorities, especially with both James Haskell and Guy Thompson departing the club this off-season.

A statement from Wasps said “Following consultation with a specialist, it has been determined that Jack Willis sustained a significant multi-ligament injury to his right knee during last Saturday’s Aviva Premiership semi-final.”

“This includes a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The injury is expected to keep him out of action for a period between nine and 12 months.”

Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Classic Wallabies vs British & Irish Legends | First Match | Full Match Replay

Did the Lions loosies get away with murder? And revisiting the Springboks lift | Whistle Watch

The First Test, Visiting The Great Barrier Reef & Poetry with Pierre | Ep 6: The Ultimate Test

KOKO Show | July 22nd | Full Throttle with Brisbane Test Review and Melbourne Preview

New Zealand v South Africa | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

USA vs England | Men's International | Full Match Replay

France v Argentina | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

Lions Share | Episode 4

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

D
DJ 1 hour ago
What World Rugby say about Dan Sheehan's controversial Lions try

See the last paragraph of World Rugby clarification 3-2022

World Rugby Passport - Clarification 3-2022 which reads

“In principle, in a try scoring situation, if the action is deemed to be a dive forward for a try, then it should be permitted. If a player is deemed to have left the ground to avoid a tackle; or to jump, or hurdle a potential tackler, then this is dangerous play and should be sanctioned accordingly”.


As I said, 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. World Rugby needs to clarify their clarification! So did Sheehan leave the ground to avoid a tackle? If so, then Sheehan should have been penalised.

14 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING British & Irish Lions player ratings vs Wallabies | 2nd Test 2025 Lions series British & Irish Lions player ratings vs Wallabies | 2nd Test 2025