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Jack Willis weighs England future as Toulouse star

BBC Sport •
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Jack Willis, the 29‑year‑old back‑row who earned 14 England caps, confirmed on the *For the Love of Rugby* podcast that his ambition to play Test rugby remains, even though his decision to stay at Toulouse likely ends his England career. After Wasps folded, he moved to France in November 2022 and later extended his contract, making him ineligible under the RFU’s overseas player rule.

Since arriving, Willis has helped Toulouse claim three Top 14 titles and top table this season. He earned the 2024‑25 Top 14 Player of the Year award and a Champions Cup shortlist nod. His contract runs to 2029, and a rumored 2027‑28 break clause could let him join a Premiership club or switch to Ireland, for which he qualifies via his grandfather and could be eligible in late 2026.

Willis accepts that his international future hinges on circumstance rather than desire. A neck injury in England’s 71‑0 World Cup win over Chile ended his tournament, and he admits he never showcased his best in an England shirt. With brother Tom heading to Bordeaux‑Begles, the Willis family’s England prospects dim further, leaving Jack to focus on maintaining Toulouse’s dominance.