- Jack Willis has extended his contract with French champions Toulouse.
- Willis is currently unavailable for England but could feature in the 2027 World Cup.
England striker Jack Willis has extended his contract with French and European champions Toulouse, dealing a major blow to England coach Steve Borthwick.
However, there is still a chance that the flanker, who is currently fit but currently unable to play international rugby, could feature in the 2027 World Cup.
Willis confirmed on Monday that he had signed a new contract with Toulouse on a four-year deal. However, a rest clause will allow the 28-year-old to sign for the Gallagher Premiership side for the 2027-28 season. This will enable him to participate in the next global exhibition in Australia.
The RFU’s strict and controversial selection policy means players must be employed by one of 10 Premiership clubs to represent England at Test level.
Willis’ camp are understood to have held exploratory talks with the RFU about a possible return to England and the possibility of him becoming part of the country’s strengthened elite squad, with his signing backed by the governing body. But despite his outstanding performances over the past 12 months, the player is no guarantee that a return to the Premier League will necessarily lead to international selection. Willis moved to Toulouse in 2022 after the Wasps disappeared.
Initially, he was given special privileges to continue playing for England in 2023. However, the last of his 14 Test caps to date came in that year’s World Cup.
Jack Willis has extended his contract with French and European champions Toulouse.
The news about Willis comes as a huge blow to England manager Steve Borthwick.
During his time away from the England international, Willis played a central role in Toulouse’s success. Won two TOP14 titles and the Champions Cup.
He is undoubtedly one of the best players in Europe at the moment and is likely to be strongly considered for a tour of Australia with the British and Irish Lions this summer.
Willis’ French status will not prevent him from playing for the Lions. Although Toulouse qualify for the top-14 end-of-season play-offs, his release from that tour could be complicated.
“It’s a huge honor to re-sign with Toulouse,” Willis said.
‘I’ve made so many amazing memories on and off the field with this team in 2024 and I can’t wait to make many more!
‘I am so grateful for the welcome I have received from the supporters, staff and most of the players since day one, which has led to my decision to sign for a longer period.
‘I’m looking forward to making more memories with this group and seeing what we can achieve in the future.’
Willis is part of a phenomenal Toulouse team that includes France superstar and captain Antoine Dupont and other Les Bleus international players.
Willis will not be eligible to play in international rugby but will be available for the 2027 World Cup.
Willis attracted interest from Premier League side Bristol, but money cuts in English club rugby meant he would have to take a significant pay cut if he was to leave France.
‘Rugby can give you amazing memories, but it also requires sacrifices,’ Willis said earlier this year.
‘To me, England is one. It reminds me a lot. 2021 didn’t end the way we wanted as he suffered a knee injury and didn’t play as well as he would have liked at the World Cup. There will always be a part of me that wants to return to the England team and prove that I can add more. That’s the real challenge and sacrifice of being here.
‘But you can’t have everything in life. I know I have to be in the UK to be considered. Likewise, I love where I am now. Giving it up would be a sacrifice in itself.’
