Jack Willis has revealed that he still wants to play for England after being named Top 14 Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.
The award is given to the best player in France’s top division each year, with Willis taking home the prize again after another outstanding campaign.
The Toulouse flanker is regarded as one of the world’s leading back rows, but he is currently unable to represent England due to RFU rules preventing players based outside the country from being selected.
England endured a difficult Six Nations this year, winning just one of their five matches, and there have been calls for a player of Willis’ quality to be available to Steve Borthwick.
His time in France has also seen him train and play alongside some of the country’s leading players, while regularly facing international stars in the Top 14.
Willis joined the Wasps academy in 2015 before making his Premiership debut the following year.
His breakthrough 2019-20 campaign saw him named Premiership Player of the Season, along with several other individual awards.
Following Wasps entering administration in 2022, Willis moved to Toulouse. He has since won multiple Top 14 titles and played an important role in the French club’s Champions Cup campaigns.
He was initially able to continue playing for England while based in France because of the circumstances surrounding Wasps’ collapse, but he is now considered ineligible under RFU regulations.
Speaking to RugbyRama after winning the Top 14 Player of the Year award, Willis admitted that he still misses playing for England.
"It's something I still think about. I miss it... But when you make a decision, you have to stand by it.
"It wasn't my choice at first, but it was my choice to stay here in Toulouse. I still want to play for England, but rules are rules."
Willis has made just 14 appearances for England since making his international debut in 2020. His only World Cup appearance came in 2023, when he scored a try against Chile.
Asked whether he would be happy to remain in Toulouse for the rest of his career, Willis acknowledged that he has enjoyed his time in France.
"Absolutely. I'm very proud to play for this team; Toulouse is an incredible club. Most players would jump at the chance to wear this jersey. To be able to achieve what we've done these past few years...
"I just want to try and keep this momentum going. I can't look beyond my current contract—maybe they won't want me anymore one day, maybe I'll be too old one day, too! But I stand by my decision."
With his brother Tom now also playing in France after joining Bordeaux-Bègles, England are unable to select two high-level back-row options while both remain overseas.
That could become an even bigger talking point with the 2027 Rugby World Cup now just a year away.
Jack Willis became eligible for Ireland this month
Interestingly, Willis became eligible to switch international allegiance to Ireland earlier this month.
The Toulouse flanker qualifies through his grandfather, who was born in Northern Ireland, and has previously spoken about the possibility of representing Ireland.
Willis made his final England appearance against Chile at the 2023 Rugby World Cup on September 23, 2023.
Under World Rugby regulations, a player can switch unions after completing a three-year stand-down period, provided they have the required birthright connection.
That means Willis completed the stand-down period on September 23, 2026, potentially opening the door to an Ireland switch ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
However, Willis has previously played down that possibility, pointing to Ireland's preference for selecting players based within their provincial system.
His latest comments therefore appear to underline where his international ambitions remain.
Despite now being eligible to pursue a switch, Willis has made clear that he still wants to add to his 14 England caps.
“I still want to play for England, but rules are rules,” he said.
