Bernard Jackman: Jack Willis ‘proved’ Test match credentials, the RFU should ‘make an exception’
Toulouse flanker Jack Willis hugging head coach Ugo Mola alongside ex-Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman.
Former Ireland international and respected pundit Bernard Jackman has “an issue” with the Rugby Football Union’s policy of not selecting overseas-based players.
His thoughts come after Jack Willis produced an immense display to help Toulouse claim their sixth European crown on Saturday.
Les Rouge et Noir defeated Leinster 31-22 in the 2024 Investec Champions Cup final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to add another star to the jersey.
The great Antoine Dupont was named player of the match but Willis was not far behind in the pecking order after his incredible performance.
Calls for change
Despite the flanker’s exceptional efforts this season and the presence of other potential internationals in France, such as Henry Arundell, the RFU have refused to alter their policy.
Jackman is among those who believe that the governing body should change their laws and, at the very least, “make an exception” for the back-row, who only moved to France following the demise of Wasps.
“I have an issue with this because he had to leave England because of a freak incident where a club went out of business. He’s gone there, he’s taken a gamble, he’s found another level,” he told RugbyPass TV.
“Zach Mercer, he goes back (to England) and doesn’t get any benefit from it.
“When Johnny Sexton left Ireland to go to Racing, basically Joe Schmidt said: ‘I need him’, so he picked him. We had a rule like everyone but you have to have a bit of flexibility.
“If Jack Willis can make England better, which to the bystander you would say he’s certainly going to be in the mix, so make an exception for him.”
Jack Willis weighs up England future after being ‘incredibly grateful’ to Toulouse
There are, of course, no guarantees that the inclusion of Willis would be a game-changer for England, especially with back-row currently a point of strength for Steve Borthwick’s men.
However, Jackman insists that the openside’s performance on Saturday went a long way to showing that he could be a world-class player for the Red Rose, if given the opportunity.
Springboks and All Blacks examples
“That game was higher intensity than some Test matches. If there are any doubts about his form, his ability, I think he just proved that he is at that level,” he added.
“Is it coming from the RFU? Is it coming from Steve? Is it just stubbornness to try and stop other people from going?
“If he went chasing money at the start, I could maybe understand it, but because three clubs went out of business, which is very sad, there has to be some kind of omerta for a while to be able to keep England rugby strong and help those guys.
“Imagine being him. He’s playing club rugby in France, which wasn’t his choice initially, and he can’t play for his country; I don’t really agree with that.
“When you look at what the South Africans do, the All Blacks do with sabbaticals etc, they try and do everything in their power to keep players in the game long-term.”
