Reports this morning suggest England flanker Jack Willis will sign with Leicester Tigers after being released by Wasps.
The black and golds have made 167 players and staff redundant after becoming the Premiership’s second club to go into administration inside 21 days.
It has now been confirmed that they have suffered the same fate as Midlands rivals Worcester and will be relegated.
Willis, who was included in England’s Autumn squad yesterday, is also though to be attracting interest from Bristol Bears and London Irish.
However, Tigers are set to win the race for the 25-year-old as a replacement for Wales international Tommy Reffell, who must exit Welford Road at the end of the season to continue his international career.
Meanwhile, it’s also been widely reported that Wasps stalwart and England lock Joe Launchbury will likely sign with Harlequins.
In an emotional post, the former Wasps skipper wrote last night: “I can’t believe I am writing this. Being made redundant today from an organisation that means so much to me and my family is impossible to take.
“I joined the club in 2010 and have enjoyed some amazing days surrounded by the best team mates, support staff and supporters. It has always been so much more than a place of work, it was a place my family could call home.
“I’m not sure I will ever get over the news today but I will try my best to move forward and support my family.
Thanks @waspsrugby for letting me live my dream.”
5 Things to Know About Jack Willis
Eddie Jones has handed Jack Willis his international debut in his England team to face Georgia in their Autumn Nations Cup opener on Saturday,
Here are five things you should know about the 23-year-old Wasps back-rower…
1. Where it started…
Willis played junior rugby for Reading Abbey R.F.C. before joining London Irish. He then joined the Wasps Senior Academy in 2015 before making his debut in the Anglo-Welsh Cup against Sale Sharks one year later.
2. Best friend
Dogs have and always be man’s best friend. You can follow Jack’s dog Dash on Instagram if you want to see what he gets up to!
3. Partner
The flanker has been in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend Megan. The duo love travelling, and have posted snaps from all over Europe and the USA.
4. Hobbies
Willis is a keen fisherman and can often be spotted, along with his brother Tom, angling on the canals in Leamington Spa.
5. The Godfather
Willis is the Godfather to Worcester Warriors wide man Tom Howe’s beautiful little girl, Cressida.
JOIN THE RUCK:
What The London Irish XV Would Look Like If They Didn’t Sell Big Players
BACK-THREE
11. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby), 14. Marland Yarde (Sale Sharks), 15. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)
This trio of England internationals would be sensational.
CENTRE
12. James O’Connor (Queensland Reds), 13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
