Willis out as 4G row heats up
ENGLAND starlet Jack Willis has been sidelined for up to year – sparking a heated debate on the future of artificial pitches in elite rugby.
Days after being picked for England’s tour to South Africa, the Wasps flanker ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee playing on Saracens’ 4G surface on Saturday.
On the same weekend several Scarlets players complained bitterly about blisters and burns they had suffered while playing on Glasgow’s plastic pitch.
Wales wing Steff Evans explained: “It was like playing on carpet – it was shocking. You were sliding down for the ball and you got up and your legs were bleeding.
“You are waking up in bed and the sheets are stuck to your leg about seven times a night.”
Team-mate Johnny McNicholl claimed the Glasgow pitch should be “illegal”, adding that he could not train on Monday due to burns and his feet being numb.
“I don’t like playing on them because they are high risk for injury.”
However, Wasps boss Dai Young refused to blame Willis’ injury on the artificial surface, saying: “It was a rugby injury caused by a game of rugby.”
Saracens expect Billy Vunipola to be fit for Saturday’s Premiership final and say he will go on England tour if he finishes the game unscathed.
Team boss Mark McCall said: “If everything is OK post-final, it would be a good thing for him to go.”