Jack Willis suffers horror knee injury for England as ITV refuse to show close replays as he’s stretchered off vs Italy

JACK WILLIS suffered an horrific knee injury just five minutes after coming on and scoring for England during their win over Italy.

The Wasps flanker, 24, came off the bench to score a try almost immediately.

5

Jack Willis suffered a horror knee injury for England against Italy

5

ITV refused to show replays of the incident in the Six Nations clash

But his dream of a start turned into a nightmare when he suffered an injury so graphic that TV broadcasters refused to show the replay.

Willis was forced to battle back from knee and ankle surgery in 2018 after first being named in Eddie Jones’ squad.

And after scoring his second try in just his third Test, Willis was rolled at a ruck as his left knee imploded.

The screams of pain echoed around an empty Twickenham with England leading 34-11 against the Six Nations whipping boys.

With Jones having already thrown on his back-five replacements, winger Anthony Watson had to pack down at No8 in the scrum.

England would go on to win 41-18 as both teams traded converted tries late on as the hosts picked up an all-important bonus point.

But Willis, 24, is unlikely to feature again this Championship.

Jones will now be forced to make do with him for crunch games against Wales, France and Ireland.

5

Willis was taken of on a stretcher after sustaining a horror knee injuryCredit: AP:Associated Press

5

Ellis Genge threw his hands on his head in shock after seeing Willis’ injury

5

Scotland vs Wales Latest updates from Six Nations match at Murrayfield

England 41 Italy 18 Jack Willis suffers horror knee injury after debut try

‘person of jesus’ Why does Billy Vunipola not take the knee in England rugby games?

once in a blue moon When did Italy last win a Six Nations rugby match?

LAND OF MY FATHERS What are the lyrics to the Welsh national anthem?

England legend Matt Dawson predicted Willis is set for a ‘long lay-off’ after the horror injury.

Dawson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “On the clear-out Jack Willis has got his leg jammed.

“No-one likes to see that, especially someone like Dan Lydiate who has been fighting back after a long injury.

“Straight away you thought he was in trouble. His left knee – it buckled underneath him.

“That, unfortunately, is going to be a long lay-off for Jack Willis.”

The incident left fans a mixture of devastated and furious – with many calling for players rolling out of rucks to be banned.

One fan tweeted: “Feel sick for Jack Willis. The laws should change NOW.

“Don’t allow players to roll out players in rucks. So f***ing dangerous.”

Another wrote: “Jack Willis. Not again…

“The guy earned his England spot having worked SO hard after a year out and came back better than ever. So cruel.”

Ex-England star Andy Goode added: “Got to feel for Jack Willis, didn’t look or sound good.

“Wishing him all the best right now.”

Meanwhile, Jonny May hurdled his way into the record books to become England’s second-greatest try-scorer.

May, 30, now sits just 17 tries behind Rory Underwood, with his effort against Italy a real gem.

In an empty Twickenham, captain Owen Farrell could be heard shouting, ‘that’s f***ing brilliant!’ as he leapt over Luca Sperandio to complete his landmark try.

Ireland vs France rugby – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time