REPORTS | Ireland attempted to poach 'incredible' English back-rower
Rugby NewsSunday, 23 August 2020 at 01:45
Reports have emerged that Ireland attempted to convince former England U20 captain Jack Willis to make the move across the Irish sea.
An attempt from the IRFU to bring the Irish-qualified flanker to Ulster with the view of representing Ireland was made in late 2019, according to The Rugby Paper.
RUCK understands this move was only stopped by England head coach Eddie Jones personally intervening to assure Willis that he's in his future plans.
The 23-year-old was selected for England's summer trip of South Africa in 2018, but sustained a serious knee injury in that year's Premiership semi-final against Saracens and was unable to tour.
However, following standout performances against Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors since the restart, Willis is now expected to feature for England in the upcoming Six Nations and Autumn Internationals.
"Jack Willis was my player of the weekend," said Monye on the BBC's Rugby Union Weekly podcast following his performance against Saints.
"He was so unlucky a couple of years ago with his knee injury, but to come back in the way in which he has - not just him, but the team - they're flying.
"There's been a lot of change, Lee Blackett has come in (as head coach), but the Wasps machine charges on."
Harlequins' England international wing Chris Ashton believes more performances of a similar level could see Willis called up to the national team once more.
He added: "I don't think Eddie will give a second's thought about swapping people out and putting him in. The type of coach he is, he doesn't mind. If he sees it's progress, they're in."
JOIN THE RUCK:
LIST | 5 players we'd like to see Eddie Jones call up…
1. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Quins boss Paul Gustard compared the back-rower to Fiji superstar Leone Nakarawa after the 22 year old responded to England disappointment in emphatic style with a blockbuster attacking display against Saracens. He’s someone who can make something out of nothing.
2. Joe Simpson (Gloucester)
The playmaker has an eye for the try line and accuracy from the boot. He's been a star at Kingsholm this season, scoring eight tries for the Cherry and Whites with two coming against his former side Wasps. His single cap came in the pool stage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup against Georgia, coming off the bench for Ben Youngs.
3. Harry Thacker (Bristol Bears)
A skilful dynamo of a hooker, Thacker would have brought something different to the party. He would be in contention for All Blacks selection if he were a New Zealander, according to his boss Pat Lam.
4. Jono Ross (Sale Sharks)
He is a sensationally-tough ball carrier with real variety, he can win you an inch in the dogfight or play out wide in the 15-metre channels. The South Africa-born back-rower has great hands, is a top line-out athlete and tackles anything, sitting second in the Premiership's tackle count with 148.
5. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
The 20-year-old, Jones’ original apprentice, was overlooked as a third fly-half at the expense of 21-year-old Wasp Jacob Umaga. However, his creative kicking tormented Saracens two weeks ago and he currently sits top of the pile as the Gallagher Premiership's top-scorer with 95 points.
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