Six Nations

Jack Willis’ return met with open arms

by
Ben Jaycock
15 March 2022

Sam Simmonds has sympathised with Jack Willis’ lengthy recovery from a knee injury and says it’s amazing to see him back in the England camp.

Simmonds himself has suffered similar knee injuries in the past, most recently rupturing his ACL in September 2018.

Exeter Chiefs No.8 Sam Simmonds — BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Sam Simmonds of Exeter Chiefs looks on during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between London Irish and Exeter Chiefs at Brentford Community Stadium on May 18, 2021 in Brentford, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws allowing a limited number of fans inside venues. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

He said: “Jack being fit is amazing, he’s obviously worked hard over the last year and a bit. I know what it’s like to have knee injuries and how hard it is to fight back and obviously, his wasn’t straightforward and he had a lot of bumps in the road. For him to be able to put some games together for Wasps in the past couple of weeks and to be back in the international mix is amazing.”

After making his return to Wasps last month, Willis has been called up to the England squad in preparation for Saturday’s showdown in Paris.

A serious knee injury against Italy in last year’s Six Nations has seen him side lined for just over year. He’s been named in Eddie Jones’ 34-man training squad after impressing during his first three club matches back.

England flanker Jack Willis — LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Jack Willis of England is stretchered off after suffering an injury during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium on February 13, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Jones has expressed his pride in Willis’ mindset during his recovery and feels like he is a key addition to the England squad.

He said: “He’s shown a lot of resilience and a lot of determination. I was really pleased watching him play against Northampton.

“We know he’s a player of great promise and he’s still only 25 years of age. To come back from such a difficult injury is a great testament to his resilience. I’m sure he’s going to add value to the squad.”

Despite last weekend’s defeat, Simmonds loved playing in front of a deafening Twickenham crowd, saying they helped to spur on the team after they went down to 14 men just two minutes in after Charlie Ewels’ red card.

He said: “Whenever I play at Twickenham it’s amazing to hear 82,000 people, spurring you on and giving you that little bit extra to keep going.

“The crowd at the weekend was unbelievable. When we got back to drawing at 15 all, the crowd then was as loud as I’ve heard it and it does add to it, the atmosphere was amazing.

“It was a shame we couldn’t hold out and get the win, but I think the crowd probably saw how much it meant to us as a team and as individuals which probably added a little bit more to it.”

Written by Imogen Ainsworth