Head coach Walshe pens new Cov deal
FLANKER DUE TO MAKE ENGLAND DEBUT ON SOUTH AFRICA TOUR COULD BE OUT FOR UP TO A YEAR
COVENTRY Rugby’s titlewinning head coach Nick Walshe has committed to a new contract extension until 2020 at Butts Park Arena.
Walshe joined Coventry in 2016 having steered England U20s to back-to-back Junior World Cup titles as head coach in 2013 and 2014.
The 43-year-old former Bath, Sale and Harlequins scrum half, capped twice by England in 2006, also enjoyed WASPS flanker Jack Willis could be out for up to a year after a scan revealed the knee injury he suffered against Saracens was an ACL rupture.
The 21–year–old was due to make his England debut on this summer’s tour to South Africa after receiving his first call–up following a sparkling campaign for Wasps which saw him nominated for the Land Rover Discovery of the Season award.
A collision towards the end of the first half on Saturday with Owen Farrell left the flanker writhing in agony and he was replaced by Guy Thompson.
In a statement released yesterday, Wasps confirmed the injury was one that will rule out Willis for a lengthy spell.
“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. “
Dai Young, speaking after the defeat to Saracens, did not believe the 4G pitch was a factor in Willis’ injury, stating it was a ‘rugby injury’.
He said: “Jack’s had a fantastic breakthrough season, just talking to him in the week, he’s got a fantastic attitude. He’s going there and wanted to play, to put that white shirt on.
“Himself and his family would be over the moon but he was going there talking about wanting to learn from the more experienced players. Jack Willis training with England Learning off the coaches and wanting to grab it with both hands.
“Hopefully it’s not too bad but I would be surprised if it’s anything where he’ll be back in a couple of weeks, the way he is at the minute.”
Only last week, Willis described his first senior England call–up as an ‘unbelievable feeling’ and was targeting making his debut during the three–test tour.
“My aim has got to be to try and feature out on tour,” he said in the build up to the Saracens match.
“I think you’ve always got to want to learn out there and it’s always going to be a learning experience alongside that.
“I’ve got to go out there and try and get the opportunity to represent my country.”
Willis faces a lengthy spell of rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.
It’s a cruel blow for club and country, with Dai Young now having to prepare for next season without the services of a player he has used 25 times in the 2018/19 campaign.
With Guy Thompson and James Haskell leaving the club, Sam Jones forced into early retirement, Ashley Johnson’s future in the balance following his suspension and Alex Rieder also out with a long–term knee injury, Willis’ injury is a big blow for Wasps.
Fans can take some comfort in the arrival of Brad Shields this summer, who will likely form a first–choice back row alongside Thomas Young and Nathan Hughes. Beyond Young, Shields and Hughes, Wasps do have other options on the back row that will likely be called upon for senior action in the 2018/19 campaign.
A fortnight ago, Wasps announced the arrival of five players from the Championship – two of whom were flankers.
Openside Joe Atkinson arrives from London Scottish with a reputation for ‘tireless work rate around the field’, while blindside Ben Morris joins from Nottingham.
Also in the mix could be Jack’s younger brother Tom, who was recently called up for the England U20s squad for the World Championship in France alongside Wasps team mate Gaby Oghre.
Tom signed a new contract with Wasps in March and has already captained the club in the Anglo– Welsh Cup and in the A league.
He has already made his Premiership debut earlier this season against Saracens when he joined big brother Jack on the back row at Allianz Park.