Wasps flanker Jack Willis aims to add spice to England’s Undercurry

Fired-up Wasps back rower Jack Willis is ready to turn up the heat on Tom Curry and Sam Underhill as he plots a route back into England contention.

Having missed England’s 2018 tour to South Africa due to an ACL injury sustained during Wasps’ Premiership semi-final defeat at Saracens, Willis’ World Cup hopes were dashed by an ankle injury suffered shortly after his comeback last March.

However, an impressive start to the season has given the 22-year-old renewed hope of Test honours and Willis told The Rugby Paper: “It’s been a tough old stint in the physio room, especially after doing my ankle as well, but I’m happy to be back playing.

“I got back training two or three weeks before the Premiership Cup and the S&C staff and physios at Wasps have been really good. I’ve made some good strength gains in the gym, so now it’s just about getting that explosiveness and power back.”

With Red Rose boss Eddie Jones promising to change as much as 30 per cent of his squad, Willis said: “Obviously I had an opportunity last year and missing out on that tour was tough to take. 

“The back rows that went to the World Cup played fantastically and there are a lot of other impressive back rows around, so for me it’s about playing well for Wasps now and taking care of my own area.

“I’m just grateful to be back on the field again. Each week I’m just trying to improve my game and work on different areas after I’ve reviewed matches.” 

While new-look Wasps have not made the start to the season they would have liked, Willis is convinced Premiership results will start to turn.

He said: “We’ve got a lot of new lads who’ve come in and brought great energy to the club. People like Zach Kibirige have played fantastically well and there’s a great buzz from seeing guys like that performing.”

NEALE HARVEY