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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.
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.
P. Hansen--BTZ
