Jack Willis 'holds talks' about ditching England for Six Nations rivals

Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 20:29

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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.

The rugby world has been left stunned by reports that England flanker Jack Willis could be on the verge of a sensational switch to Ireland.

What first appeared to be a far-fetched rumour is now beginning to gather serious momentum, with fresh claims suggesting conversations have already taken place behind the scenes.

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The 29-year-old has been one of the standout back-rowers in Europe over the past few seasons, starring for Toulouse, but has been consistently overlooked by England head coach Steve Borthwick due to playing outside the Premiership.

However, a major twist has now emerged.

It is understood that Willis will become eligible to switch his international allegiance to Ireland later this year, having not represented England in almost three years.

Willis previously revealed back in 2023 that he qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents, although he insisted at the time that both he and his brother Tom had always supported England.

But with his Toulouse contract expiring this summer, former Scotland international Jim Hamilton has claimed that discussions have taken place behind the scenes.

Speaking on

The Rugby Pod last week, Hamilton suggested that Munster and the IRFU had approached Willis – and he has now followed up on those comments in an interview with SportsJOE for Boylesports.

“I felt a little bit embarrassed when I saw some of the mainstream media had picked it up,” Hamilton said.

“I said to my team, I was like ‘lads, is this legit?’”

Hamilton explained that he had heard through multiple sources that conversations were happening between IRFU High Performance Director David Humphreys and Willis’ representatives.

“I heard through a few different lines that there were conversations happening between Humphreys and Willis’ people,” he said.

“And I had to go back and fact-check that, which was correct.”

“So I know there are a few discussions that have kind of happened in the background.”

Hamilton believes Willis would be a huge addition for Ireland, despite their strength in the back row.

“Of course, if there’s any Irish in a player like Jack Willis… you’re talking about a lad that’s operating at the highest level, in one of the best club teams in the world.

“Yeah, I mean, there was definitely something in it.”

POLL:

OTHER ENGLISH PLAYERS SWAPPING NATIONS:

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.