Flanker Jack could be out for the rest of the season
England flanker Jack Willis will be given further specialist advice in the next fortnight to gauge the full extent of a knee injury that looks likely to end his season.
The Wasps forward suffered extensive damage to his left leg after he was pulled out ofaruckduringEngland's41-18 Guinness Six Nations victory over Italy at Twickenham on Saturday.
Wasps head coach Lee Blackett said: "He is going to see the specialist again in the next 10-14 days.
"We will know a lot more when he sees the specialist and it settles down. I can't tell youexactlyhowlong(hewillbe out),butitisaprettysignificant injury."
Willis' leg buckled awkwardly when Sebastian Negri used the legal but contentious 'crocodile roll' technique to twist him out of the ruck.
Asked during a Wasps virtual press conference if Willis would be out for the season, Blackett added: "I think he is goingtobeoutforagoodchunk of time. I don't want to say exactly, but I think you are not a million miles off that timescale.
"I have spoken to him a few times on text. He is pretty down, probably because when you have had a serious injury you know what is coming and you know what a big challenge it is.
"The one thing about Jack is he is an out-and-out professional, and he will get back as quickly as anyone could possibly get back.
"Everyone who knows Jack knows what type of person he is. He cares so passionately about what he does.
"To come through from his lastinjury,heisastoughasthey come,andtoseethepainonhis face, you knew it was serious.
"It was a pretty dark place.”
Sunderland are one of the teams in contention to reach the Papa John’s Trophy final – and here’s everything you need to know about the big game.
From kick-off times to how to watch the game on TV, we’ve got all the information you need…
When is the 2021 Papa John’sTrophyFinalandwhat time is kick-off?
The Papa John’s Trophy Final will be played on Sunday, March 14 with a kick-off of 3pm.
It will form part of an EFL Weekender, with the delayed 2020 final between Portsmouth and Salford City to be played the day before.
Are there any tickets available for the 2021 Papa John’s Trophy Final?
No tickets will be available forfansforthe2021PapaJohn’s TrophyFinal.Thegameissetto be played behind closed doors as per current regulations.
Is the 2021 Papa John’s TrophyFinalonTV?Howcan I stream it?
Yes, the 2021 Papa John’s Trophy Final is on TV.
The fixture will be broadcast on Sky Sports – although the exact channel and broadcast start time won’t be confirmeduntilclosertothegame.
However, we do know that the game will also be able to stream via Now TV.
Whataretherulesforthe 2021 Papa John’s Trophy Final?
The rules that govern the rest of the Papa John’s Trophy willapplytothefinal–withone notableexception.Ifthescores are level at 90 minutes, then a half-hour period of extra time willbeplayedbeforepenalties.
Whatprizemoneyisavailable?
The winners will earn £100,000, with the runnersup handed £50,000.