Let’s win it for axed Cockers says Williams

LEICESTER enforcer Mike Williams has vowed to bounce back from the shock of Richard Cockerill’s dismissal by proving he is ready for a Six Nations summons by England.

Zimbabwe-born Williams, who fought back from three broken arms to take his place in last week’s Red Rose training camp, reckons an away victory at Wasps will be the best way to honour a man he describes as a “great leader and big part of this club.”

Williams said: “Hearing about Richard leaving was tough because he signed me from Worcester and I was close with him. He’s a very nice man who stood by me during my injury troubles and we’ll keep in touch.

“What Cockers brought was the mentality and passion for rugby that you can’t find anywhere else.

“How he got boys up for a game is one of the biggest things I’ll miss.

“But we’ve got to move on and the best thing to do is focus on this big game and start getting wins.”

Williams was delighted to move a step closer to realising the dream of playing for England that persuaded him to forsake a career in South Africa when he swapped the Blue Bulls for Worcester in 2013.

Williams, 25, said: “Every rugby player’s dream is to play Test rugby and one of the main reasons for coming to England was to have a shot. I’m honoured to have been selected by Eddie Jones in the EPS and now I want to prove myself worthy.

“The Brighton camp was really good. It was meetings on Monday, followed by a walk through, but on Tuesday it really kicked off and the intensity was high.

“There’s no such thing as 60 per cent with Eddie, so it was eye balls-out stuff and he got his money’s worth over 48 hours. I learned a hell of a lot surrounded quality players and coaches. I’m determined to take the opportunity I’ve been given and learn as much as I can.”