Jack Willis releases emotional statement after horror injury

The England flanker has not ruptured his ACL – as first feared – but is still set for a ‘long time out’.

Seconds after scoring a try, Willis could be heard screaming in agony after he was rolled out of a ruck by an Italian player, twisting his knee in the process.

He's now finally broke his silence.

Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "The highs and lows of Rugby...

"I have loved every second of training and playing in an England shirt and it has been a dream come true to be involved in such a great group of lads and coaches. I’m truly gutted with the way it ended on Saturday but these things happen.

"I will give everything I can to my rehab to come back a better and stronger player. Thank you so much for all the messages and support I’ve received it really is appreciated.

"I will be back,"

The European player of the year, who has scored 11 Premiership tries so far this season, should find his way back into Jones’ squad in the near future. He's been sensational.

A player that does provide the weight at the back of the scrum that Jones wants to see is Harlequins’ Alex Dombrandt, but the 23-year-old has not been able to convince the Australian to give him a run out despite being called up in the Autumn.

The 21-year-old Worcester skipper is clearly a player Jones has earmarked for the future, and offers a huge amount in the No6 shirt. Thus far, he has not yet been able to make the step up from being a prospect since making his debut as a teenager against Japan in 2018.

With his move to Montpellier next season confirmed, it's pretty unlikely that the back-rower will get a recall. Mercer’s display against Sale Sharks in both attack and defence showed exactly what he's made of. In attack, he made a total of 91 metres going forward from 10 carries beating two defenders in the process, while defensively he made 20 tackles to round off a strong performance for the 23-year-old.