Toulouse’s Jack Willis feels ‘freer’ ahead of clash with ‘incredibly dangerous’ Harlequins
Jack Willis for Toulouse against Exeter Chiefs.
England loose forward Jack Willis has revealed that he immediately “fell in love” with Toulouse’s ongoing desire to win silverware after joining the powerhouse French outfit.
The 27-year-old made the move to Toulouse following the demise of his Premiership club Wasps and has already won a Top 14 title.
And there could be more success lying in wait as Toulouse are currently in second position in this season’s domestic competition in France while they will also host Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Harlequins.
Chasing a record sixth Champions Cup title
Victory against their English opponents at Le Stadium in Toulouse and a triumph in the final would mean Les Rouge et Noir will be crowned Champions Cup winners for a record sixth time and they are also chasing a remarkable 23rd French title.
Despite Toulouse having a star-studded squad with the likes of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack leading the way, Willis has fitted seamlessly into their ranks and cemented his place in their run-on side.
“We want to win things and I think that is the thing I love about being here. I fell in love with that the minute I got here,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to win the Top 14 last year here and I think that feeling certainly didn’t feel like I had fulfilled everything by winning that.
“All it made me want to do was want to win it again, and win more.
“I think the structure they put in place here is incredible – from the president all the way down to us players – and the standards are always kept high.
“With the standard of playing and coaching here it really tests you as a player because it is so competitive.
“You have got to be at your absolute best to be getting picked and I love having that pressure on me week to week.”
The 14 times-capped flanker’s move to the French heavyweights has worked out perfectly and he said he has also learnt to take some pressure off himself – as he spends time with renowned performance psychologist Katie Mobed – and allows himself a mental freedom which he is relishing.
“It probably got to a point where I was putting a lot of pressure on myself daily, which can get quite exhausting and probably bog you down a little bit,” added Willis.
“I feel a lot freer mentally. The work I have been doing with Katie has been incredible. She is brilliant and a big support to me.
“I think it frees me up going into games and that’s quite important. If you feel bogged down mentally, that does make a big difference.
“I am not saying I was in a bad head space at all, but I think you just have lots going through your mind and you need to organise things correctly. I certainly feel a lot freer on the pitch.”
Fully focused on Harlequins
Willis, who is currently ineligible for England selection because he is playing for an overseas-based club, is now fully focused on halting Harlequins‘ progress in the Champions Cup.
Despite winning over many fans after clinching their semi-final berth with a thrilling 42-41 triumph over Bordeaux-Begles, Quins are in uncharted territory as this will be the first time in their history that they are involved in a Champions Cup semi-final.
“They are an incredibly dangerous team and an exciting team to watch. If you give them a foothold in the game it is a long old 80 minutes,” Willis said.
“You can’t really plan for what Quins are going to throw at you. They are going to bring all sorts of tricks and I am sure they have got a few things up their sleeve.
“It is making sure we get our foundations right. It is just crucial to get going early and not let what happened at Bordeaux happen.”
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