Worst news for Wasps flanker and England hopeful Willis

Fears that Wasps flanker Jack Willis had seriously injured his knee during Saturday's Aviva Premiership semi-final against Saracens were confirmed today, as Wasps announced that the back-rower was looking at nine to 12 months out.

Willis has suffered significant multiple-ligament injury to his right knee, including a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament, after it came into contact with the head of Owen Farrell at Allianz Park.

Not only does this end Willis' hopes of making his England debut on the tour of South Africa next month, it will also wipe out most, if not all, of his 2018/19 season, throwing any hopes he had of making England's Rugby World Cup squad into serious jeopardy.

The flanker now faces a long spell on the sidelines and a tough and testing rehabilitation process.

Willis had been included in Eddie Jones' squad to take on the Springboks and it remains to be seen whether or not the Australian will call for reinforcements or stick with the previously selected squad. There was likely to be a tough competition for places in South Africa, with Jones having also included Chris Robshaw, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Mark Wilson, Sam Simmonds and Billy Vunipola in the back-row, as well as incoming Kiwi Brad Shields.

The injury could also prompt Wasps into strengthening this summer, with a season-long injury joker likely high on their list of priorities, especially with both James Haskell and Guy Thompson departing the club this off-season.

A statement from Wasps said "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."