Sebastian Negri sorry for 'crocodile roll' that forced Jack Willis to leave the field on a medical cart shortly after scoring a try in his first Six Nations appearance; "I will give everything I can to my rehab to come back a better and stronger player," says Wasps flanker
Monday 15 February 2021 12:50, UK
Italy flanker Sebastian Negri has apologised after his 'crocodile roll' left Jack Willis facing the prospect of a long spell on the sidelines.
Willis had to be driven from the Twickenham pitch on a motorised cart after suffering an agonising knee injury in the final quarter of England's 41-18 Guinness Six Nations victory.
The Wasps player, who moments earlier had scored the fifth of his team's six tries, cried out in agony after his left leg buckled sickeningly as he was pulled out of the ruck by Negri.
Crocodile rolls are permitted by referees as long as they are not around the neck and while there was no act of foul play by Negri, they are a dangerous and controversial technique.
"A quick message to Jack Willis. So sorry about what happened yesterday," Negri said on Twitter.
"Just horrible and never nice to see. Myself and all the @Federugby [Italy] boys are wishing you all the best. I hope to see you back on the field again soon. Take care and we all know you will be back stronger. Seb"
Willis is undergoing scans to assess the extent of the damage and it is a bitter blow to a destructive flanker who broke into the England team last autumn having battled back from previous knee and ankle issues.
He took to Twitter on Monday to say: "The highs and lows of rugby... I have loved every second of training and playing in an England shirt and it has been a dream come true to be involved in such a great group of lads and coaches.
"I'm truly gutted with the way it ended on Saturday but these things happen...
"I will give everything I can to my rehab to come back a better and stronger player. Thank you so much for all the messages and support I've received, it really is appreciated. I will be back."
Wasps head coach Lee Blackett exchanged texts with Willis following Saturday's match.
"It sounds like he has done quite a few things with his knee," said Blackett.
"It's pretty serious, but it looks like he has not done his ACL. He will spend a long time out, I should imagine."
