Jack Willis breaks his silence on international future

Monday, 27 April 2026 at 17:30

byRugby Rucker

through his Italian grandmother. Under the updated World Rugby eligibility rules, he could switch allegiance after the required stand‑down period following his last England cap in 2018.

Jack Willis has opened up on his England future, admitting he may never feel fully satisfied with his international career—but insists he has no regrets over staying in France.

The Stade Toulousain back-rower, who has been in outstanding form in the Top 14, acknowledged there will always be a lingering sense of “what if” when it comes to England.

Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel
and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.

Willis was involved with England during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but admitted he never truly delivered his best on that stage.

“I don’t think I showed the best version of Jack Willis in an England shirt… I think I could have done better.”

Despite that, the 29-year-old made it clear he does not regret committing his future to Toulouse—fully aware it would likely end his England chances under current RFU selection rules.

“I didn’t choose to leave England, but I chose to stay… I love it here. I won’t regret that.”

Willis also revealed there has been no contact at all from England boss Steve Borthwick since his move abroad.

“No. Never had anything.”

As a competitor, however, the pull of Test rugby hasn’t disappeared.

“You want to be playing at the biggest stage and international rugby is the biggest stage… but yeah, there’s always a part of it that’s a bit tough.”

There has also been no approach from the British & Irish Lions, despite his standout form in France.

Speculation around a potential switch to Ireland—via his Irish heritage—was also addressed, but Willis suggested it’s not a path he’s seriously pursuing.

“My granddad’s fully Irish, but if it involves moving, then that puts me in the same situation… sometimes you’ve got to accept your reality.”

For now, Willis remains content with life in France, even if questions over his England career may never fully disappear.

“There’ll always be a bit more to give… but I don’t regret my decisions.”

OTHER ENGLAND STARS WHO CAN SWAP NATIONS:

Marcus Smith

Smith admitted that while it remains a dream to wear the England shirt, the idea of one day representing the Philippines alongside his brothers would be incredibly special.

“One day I’d love to help and be involved in Philippine rugby — my brother currently plays for the Philippines,” said Smith.

Mako Vunipola

Mako is long established as an England prop, but with Tongan heritage via his parents and no England appearances since the 2023 World Cup, he could be eligible to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility rules (three‑year stand‑down + heritage) should he choose to pursue that route.

Dan Kelly

A talented centre currently playing in Ireland, Kelly has one senior England cap but has since appeared for Ireland A, aligning him with Ireland under current eligibility pathways.

England’s restrictions on overseas‑based players limited his opportunities with the Red Rose, but a full switch to Ireland gives him the chance for consistent Test rugby and a starting role at the 2027 World Cup.

Billy Vunipola

Billy also qualifies for Tonga through family heritage. Despite a long England career, he hasn’t featured since playing in 2024 under the overseas‑based restrictions. Tonga has shown interest in bringing the powerful number 8 into their squad for 2027, and given the eligibility framework, he could make such a switch.

David Ribbans

Ribbans was born in South Africa and qualified for England on ancestry grounds; he last played for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

He has since moved overseas to Toulon, making him ineligible for England under RFU policy.

He is now eligible to switch to South Africa following the three‑year stand‑down rule and his birthright—a move that has already been reported in the context of RWC 2027 planning.

Manu Tuilagi

Tuilagi’s situation has a personal legacy element: he was born in Samoa, and five of his brothers have represented Samoa internationally.

His full given name, Manusamoa, was in part a celebration of his oldest brother’s Samoan debut (a widely reported rugby anecdote).

Despite 60+ England caps, Tuilagi is now overseas‑based and has looked at the possibility of switching to Samoa after a three‑year stand‑down from England Tests, provided he is still fit and playing by 2027.

Nic Dolly

Born in Sydney, Australia, Dolly qualified for England and earned one senior cap in 2021, but has since returned to Australia to play club rugby.

Because more than three years have passed since his England appearance, and he qualifies for Australia by birth and heritage, he is eligible to represent the Wallabies if selected.

Alex Lozowski

A versatile centre and utility back, Lozowski is eligible to represent Italy

Approaches from the Italian setup have been reported, and if Lozowski elects to take that route, it would offer him regular international rugby and a chance to shine on the World Cup stage for the Azzurri.