England flanker Jack Willis has reportedly signed a contract extension with Top 14 club Stade Toulousain.
Willis has reportedly agreed to stay with the French club, and has put pen to paper for an additional year.
According to reports from French rugby outlet Midi Olympique, Willis also has the clause in his contract to add an extra year on top of the agreed one season, later in the future. Willis moved to the South of France in November of last year, following the financial collapse of Wasps in the Gallagher Premiership.
The 26-year-old has been so far impressing in his home, and has nestled his way into the starting back row. After almost two years side-lined from the international scene with a serious re-occurring knee injury, Willis has made his comeback to the England squad, with Steve Borthwick also favouring Willis in the back row.
Marking his return with a Six Nations try against Italy, two years after he suffered the horrific injury in the very same fixture, Willis is back and better than ever. However, England are in the midst of re-affirming their eligibility laws, with Willis’ England future up for debate.
Many of England’s fringe players are opting to move to France, with the mass exodus at Exeter Chiefs seeing numerous stars depart due to salary cap restrictions. Sam Simmonds, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Harry Williams are all preparing for a summer move to Montpellier, and flying winger Jack Nowell was yesterday confirmed for a transfer to La Rochelle.
Willis is an anomaly within in the current England squad. Their overseas contract sees him cause quite a stir amongst the RFU, with former England stars ruled out of England contention due to their insistence of playing overseas.
The shadows of Chris Ashton, Jonny Wilkinson and Steffon Armitage all point towards Willis being ruled out of the England squad. Hopefully the RFU allow the talented back-rower to maintain his position within the team, despite his overseas commitments.
Five England stars won’t be able to play again after the 2023 World Cup
Five England international rugby players will not be able to represent their country in the iconic white jersey after announcing their move to France following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
#1. David Ribbans
Northampton Saints have confirmed that the forward will depart the Club at the end of the 2022/23 season. Reports suggest he will join Toulon.
The 27-year-old lock has pulled on the Black, Green and Gold jersey 115 times to date, starting 98 matches for Northampton and scoring 17 tries so far.
“As a coaching group, we are very proud of the progress Dave has made during his time at Saints,” said Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.
“He arrived in Northampton as a 21-year-old without many Super Rugby appearances to his name. He will leave as a fully-fledged England international and a proven performer in the Gallagher Premiership, one of the most attritional and competitive leagues in the world.
“You always want to create an environment for players where they can work hard, thrive, win matches and be successful on the international stage. Sometimes, that means players become attractive propositions for other clubs.
“Dave leaves to pursue a playing opportunity in France next season. It’s disappointing to lose a player of his calibre, and we were surprised Dave wanted to leave the Club at this time.
“But he is of course a professional, and will be putting all his efforts in his final months in Northampton to ensure the team is as successful as possible. We will wish him well after that.”
