England flanker Jack Willis released by unhappy Steve Borthwick

Thursday, 02 March 2023 at 07:55

byRugby Rucker

England's preparations for 'Le Crunch' have hit a snag as flanker Jack Willis returned to Toulouse for training on Wednesday evening.

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Willis now faces a six-day turnaround ahead of the Six Nations clash with France.

Despite starting in England's recent victories over Italy and Wales, Willis may not be able to train with Steve Borthwick's team until later in Test week, as he is expected to feature in Toulouse's match against Racing 92 on Sunday evening.

Although Toulouse did not play Willis during the first Six Nations fallow week when they lost to Toulon, the player is now available for selection this weekend.

The league clash is scheduled to start at the same time that the rest of Borthwick's squad will gather at Pennyhill Park to continue their preparations for the upcoming game against France.

EXPECTED ENGLAND XV TO FACE FRANCE:

#Back-three:

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)

Freddie Steward of England is tackled by Ardie Savea of New Zealand during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)

14. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers)

11. Henry Arundell (London Irish)

#Centres:

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)

12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)

Ollie Lawrence of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

#Halfbacks

10. Owen Farrell (Saracens)

Owen Farrell, Captain of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

9. Jack Van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)

#Front-row

1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)

Ellis Genge of England on the break during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

2. Jamie George (Saracens)

3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)

#Second-row

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)

Maro Itoje of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)

#Back-row

6. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints)

7. Jack Willis (Toulouse)

8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)

Alex Dombrandt of England on the break during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)