England scrum-half Joe Simpson nears pre-World Cup return

England scrum-half Joe Simpson is nearing a return to full fitness as he builds up preparations for the World Cup this autumn.

Simpson looked set for an international recall, before he suffered a knee ligament injury in the penultimate game of the regular Aviva Premiership season.

However, after working closely with the Wasps medical team over the summer, he took part in his first running session last week and is set for a full return to training in the coming weeks as both Wasps and England commence their pre-seasons.

Simpson said: "I only missed one match, the last game of the season, and that is a real positive. I knew that if everything went to plan and I worked hard with the physios I could get back in time for pre-season with Wasps and England.

"I'm on course for that and I should be back in the next couple of weeks, starting pre-season with Wasps on Wednesday. I'm just hoping that I get the call from England and I get the chance to show what I can do in training with them to give myself a chance to make the World Cup squad.

"Last week I had my first running session since the injury and I felt good, I felt strong. We pushed my body and every exercise I did felt good so I am happy I'm in the right place.

"I cut my holiday short and have been back working at the club with the physios, who have been brilliant with me, and it's all going to plan. Fingers crossed it will continue to go well and I'll be back out there in no time.”

The 25-year-old picked up the Aviva Premiership Try of the Season award in an impressive individual campaign and added: "We had a great season here at Wasps.

"We played some superb rugby and I had a really enjoyable season. I felt really confident and think I was playing the best rugby of my life.

"If I do get the call, I need to be in the best shape possible to give a good account of myself in England camp, if that chance were to present itself.”