Jack Willis has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup due to a neck injury, and England is considering alternative options.
Due to a neck injury, Jack Willis has been ruled out of England’s Rugby World Cup campaign.
The Toulouse flanker was injured in England’s 71-0 victory against Chile in Lille on Saturday, September 23.
England attempted to rehab Willis in the goal of keeping the former Wasps flanker in France, but the Red Rose medics were defeated on Wednesday night.
England will call up a substitute, whose identity has not yet been revealed, with the new player anticipated to arrive by the beginning of next week.
“Jack Willis suffered a neck injury against Chile that he has worked hard to recover from, but unfortunately he has been unable to do that at this stage,” Steve Borthwick, England manager, said.
“Jack has left the squad; his replacement will be announced shortly.” We are quite disappointed with Jack.
“While the injury is likely to be minor, the timetables of this competition dictate that he will be replaced in the squad.”
“Jack is understandably disappointed. His journey back to the field has already begun. A motivated individual like him wants to get his hands dirty with the necessary task.”
Willis will be unavailable for selection for the Six Nations after signing a new deal and committing to stay at Toulouse for the upcoming season.
He was able to play for England up until this point after signing with Toulouse after Wasps went into administration.
However, Willis’ decision to accept a new contract in France means he will be unavailable after the World Cup due to England’s general policy of not picking players from other countries.
Borthwick refused to speculate on how Willis’ absence will effect the Red Rose setup after the World Cup.
“I’m really disappointed for him for this World Cup, for this game, this tournament,” stated Borthwick.
“As for anything else we can discuss that after the tournament.”
