How Jack Willis could still represent England at the 2027 Rugby World Cup despite new long-term Toulouse deal
Jack Willis after Toulouse's game with Exeter Chiefs and the flanker in action for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Star flanker Jack Willis has signed a new long-term contract with Top 14 side Toulouse in what is a blow for England head coach Steve Borthwick.
The openside joined the French giants in 2022 on a short-term agreement after Wasps entered administration but later extended his deal until 2026, which ruled him out of Test selection after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Willis has now committed his future to Les Rouge et Noir on a contract which reportedly takes him beyond the next global tournament in Australia.
‘Massive honour’
“It is a massive honour to have re-signed at Toulouse,” the 28-year-old said.
“I have made so many incredible memories on and off the field with this team in 2024 and I canāt wait for many more!
“I feel so grateful for the welcome I have had here since day one from the supporters, staff and most of all the players and that made the decision to sign on for longer even easier.
“I look forward to making more memories with this group and seeing what we can achieve in the years to come.”
It is understood that Willis has agreed a four-year deal with Toulouse which will take him to July 2029.
However, it is also being widely reported that there is a break clause for the 2027/28 season that would allow him to join an English club and thus enable him to be eligible for the World Cup.
Jack Willis weighs up England future after being āincredibly gratefulā to Toulouse
Openside flanker is one position where the Red Rose are incredibly strong, but there is no doubt that Willis would be in contention to start should he be available.
Since joining the star-studded Les Rouge et Noir, the former Wasps flanker has shone, helping them to the Champions Cup and Top 14 double in 2023/24.
He has quickly become a fans favourite with his form leading to calls from several observers that the RFU should lift their ban on selecting overseas-based players.
England ambitions
It is a law which continues to cause debate and one that Willis has struggled to come to terms with, telling Planet Rugby earlier this year: āTo be honest, I donāt think Iāll ever be fully at peace with it.
He added: āIf Iām honest, change doesnāt look likely at the moment, and I have to get my head around that.
āThings change at different points, and my situation might. But as things stand, this is where Iām at.”
Willis also revealed that while he is desperate to earn more England caps, he is very content in the south of France.
āIn order to be happy in life you canāt always be looking over the fence at the next thing. Youāve got to be at peace with the decisions you make,ā he said.
āIf you spend time worrying about what you havenāt got, if thatās the mentality you have, it can become quite exhausting.
āObviously, I will always want more England caps. To play for England is incredible. Iāve got some incredible memories doing that.
“But the most important thing for me is to focus on playing as well as I can for Toulouse and see where that gets me. And to focus on how lucky I am to be in the position Iām in.”
READ MORE: Jack Willis doubts he will āever be fully at peaceā with England ineligibility
