Volkswacht Bodensee - Underhill replaces injured Willis in England squad for World Cup last-eight

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Underhill replaces injured Willis in England squad for World Cup last-eight
Underhill replaces injured Willis in England squad for World Cup last-eight / Photo: © AFP/File

Underhill replaces injured Willis in England squad for World Cup last-eight

Flanker Sam Underhill has replaced the injured Tom Willis in England's Rugby World Cup squad, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said on Sunday.

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Willis has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a neck issue.

Abrasive Underhill, 27, a starter for England in the 2019 final, comes in as the team prepares for next weekend's last-eight tie with, in all likelihood, Fiji.

"Sam Underhill has been added to England's Rugby World Cup squad in France," the RFU said.

"The Bath Rugby back-row forward replaces Jack Willis and will join up with the squad in Lille today ahead of England's Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Sunday 15 October in Marseille," it added.

Underhill faces competition from the likes of Tom Curry and Courtney Lawes for a space in the starting lineup against Fiji on the Mediterranean coast.

The Pacific Islanders need just a point against Portugal later on Sunday to claim their spot in the knock-outs.

C.Stoecklin--VB