Wasps ace Willis told to focus on England
JaCK WILLIS and his players have been urged by England head coach Eddie Jones to put the Premiership’s financial crisis to one side after Wasps followed Worcester in entering administration yesterday. Wasps flanker Willis was named in Jones’s autumn squad on the same day he was one of 167 staff members made unemployed by his club’s financial plight being made official. the 25-year-old, who has now recovered from a horror knee injury sustained in 2021, was the only player from the Coventrybased side selected by Jones for next month’s clashes with argentina, Japan, new Zealand and South africa.
Wasps captain Joe Launchbury was left out.
‘Good players get on with it. Everyone feels for Wasps,’ Jones said. ‘But Jack has an opportunity now and he’s got to make the most of it. he’s got a history of resilience and he’s a good, tough kid.’
Wasps had already been suspended from the Premiership but their administration status means they will soon follow Worcester in being relegated from the top flight. the club’s debts are close to £100million with £2m owed to hM revenue and Customs. It was confirmed last night that the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee will question representatives from the rFU and Premiership rugby next month over the demise of Worcester and Wasps. Julian Knight MP, DCMS committee chair, said: ‘the fact two of the country’s top clubs have now suffered the fate of falling into administration raises serious concerns about the future of the sport and its financial viability.
‘the rFU and Premiership rugby have acknowledged the need to set a more sustainable path for club rugby.
‘We will be pressing them to ensure they are putting the foundations in place to guarantee the health of the sport from the top level right down to the grassroots.’ With Wasps ceasing to trade yesterday with immediate effect, Willis will prepare for England’s november games at twickenham with the help of Jones’ support staff. he and his club team-mates are all looking for employment and they have been told by the rFU they can remain eligible for England if they move abroad.