ENGLAND captain Chris Robshaw insists David Wilson’s return from injury is a timely one for his country’s hopes of World Cup glory.

The Bath tightheadm who hails from South Shields and attended East Durham College, had been out of action since January following neck surgery, an absence that saw him miss the entirety of the Six Nations and his club’s continuing progression in the Aviva Premiership.

The 30-year-old was back into action as the West Country outfit overcame Harlequins in a thriller at the Stoop on May 8, however, with Robshaw one of the home stars downed in that defeat.

And as Bath ready themselves for a home semi-final against Leicester Tigers – one that Wilson is sure to play a part in – and the imposing shadow of a home World Cup moves ever closer, the England skipper admits it is a big boost to have such a senior figure back in business.

“We actually played against him for his first game back at Quins, and I think he was blowing a little bit!” Robshaw joked.

“But it’s great to see him back on the pitch because he has had a difficult few months.

“He is someone who, along with Dan Cole, has been there for some time now and really excelled in that role in the tighthead position, developing into an important player for England.

“It is great to see him fit again and I am sure he will have a busy run in with Bath before coming into the England setup and getting ready for the World Cup.”

But Wilson isn’t the only one at the Rec to catch Robshaw’s eye, with the England captain adamant centre Jonathan Joseph is reaping the rewards of patiently biding his time.

With the World Cup just four months away, Joseph is firmly the man of the moment for England, a fact on display at last week’s Rugby Players’ Association awards where the 23-year-old walked away with the players- player of the year and England player of the year award.

It comes in the aftermath of a Six Nations campaign where Joseph profited from injuries to Brad Barritt and Manu Tuilagi to stake a claim for the shirt, finishing as the top try-scorer with a nomination for player of the tournament to boot.

Not bad for a player who first made his international debut off the bench against South Africa in June 2012 before then waiting 20 months before adding to his six caps this Spring.

And with Joseph also lighting up the pitch on a domestic level – the centre is one of a five-strong short list for the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season – Robshaw is glad he doesn’t have to come up against him at the World Cup.

“He did well, didn’t he? He is a guy who has waited his chance and grabbed it with both hands,” he said.

“He got capped in South Africa two or three years ago and it had been pretty quiet for him since then – until the Six Nations.

“He has been patient, he has come back to Bath, he has played extremely well and he has been rewarded – and re-paid everyone in spades.

“The performances he has put on have been tremendous and playing against him last weekend recently, he is a very difficult player to play against.

“He is definitely one of those guys you want in your side, rather than against you, and a good guy to have around.”

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