England have been dealt their first major injury blow at the World Cup with Jack Willis ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a neck problem. The head coach, Steve Borthwick, is due to confirm a replacement once medical checks are completed but Willis’s departure from the squad is a setback given his prowess at the breakdown.
Willis sustained the injury during England’s 71-0 win over Chile last time out and Borthwick said it was confirmed he would be withdrawing from the squad on Wednesday night. It is a bitter blow for Willis, who has endured a turbulent year since the demise of Wasps.
