England flanker Jack Willis has committed his future to French giants Toulouse by signing a four-year deal, but the door isn't entirely closed on his World Cup 2027 dreams.
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RFU Rules Put a Block on Overseas Players
Under current Rugby Football Union (RFU) regulations, England won’t select overseas-based players for World Cup duty. This seemingly shuts the door for Willis, who has been a standout performer in France's Top 14.
But according to the Telegraph, a lifeline could be in place—a break clause in Willis’ contract that would allow him to sign for a Premiership club for the 2027-28 season, potentially making him eligible for England’s campaign in Australia.
A Meeting with Borthwick: Return to the Premiership or Bust
Willis has already sat down with England head coach Steve Borthwick and Conor O'Shea, RFU’s executive director of performance rugby. Their message? He needs to come back to the Premiership if he wants to be seriously considered for England selection.
Bristol Bears have shown strong interest, and Saracens—where his brother Tom plays—has also been linked as a potential landing spot for the 27-year-old.
Settled in the Pink City: Life in Toulouse
Despite the England-related talks, Willis' new four-year deal highlights how comfortable he’s become in Toulouse. The club has helped his family, including his two young children, settle in.
“I love it here,” said Willis. “The club has been fantastic, and settling my family here has been a priority. When Wasps folded, it was an emotional time, and moving to another English club felt overwhelming. Coming to Toulouse has been an escape and a blessing, with titles like the Top 14 and Champions Cup to enjoy."
2027 World Cup: Still a Possibility?
With the break clause in place, Willis might just have one last chance to wear the England jersey on the world stage. It all depends on whether he chooses to return home for the 2027-28 season.
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Five Big Names Out of 2025 Lions Tour
The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour kicks off in Australia on July 19, with a three-Test series against the Wallabies. Andy Farrell’s squad will be without several big names due to injury, retirement, or club commitments.
1. Ollie Lawrence – Achilles injury ends Lions dream
England centre Ollie Lawrence was widely tipped to make Farrell’s Lions squad before suffering a devastating injury. The Bath star ruptured his left Achilles tendon just nine minutes into England’s 47-24 Six Nations win over Italy, ruling him out for up to a year.
A Premiership Player of the Season in 2023, Lawrence had become a key figure for Steve Borthwick’s England. His explosive running, defensive solidity, and hard-carrying ability made him a strong candidate for the tour. However, with the Lions series beginning in just over three months, his injury has ended any chance of selection.
Lawrence expressed his disappointment on social media: "Lost for words… That’s not how I imagined my season to end! The comeback is always greater than the setback."
Surprise Fact: Lawrence was once in Aston Villa’s football academy before choosing rugby.
2. Stuart Hogg - Won't be considered for selection
Despite making an impressive comeback with Montpellier in the Top 14 after reversing his retirement, off-field issues will rule him out of contention for selection by Lions head coach Andy Farrell, according to RUCK sources.
Surprise Fact: In a tweet, J. K. Rowling insinuated that Hogg was, in fact, a full-fledged Wizard
3. Dan Biggar – No third Lions tour
Welsh fly-half Dan Biggar ruled himself out of the 2025 Lions tour after retiring from international rugby in 2023. With 112 caps for Wales and two previous Lions tours (2017, 2021), he would have been a strong contender for Farrell’s squad. However, he’s enjoying his time in France with Toulon and has no plans to return.
Speaking to TalkSport, Biggar confirmed his decision: "That chapter has closed for me. When I retired from Wales, I thought I might miss it, but I haven’t. I’m really enjoying life in France and the media work I’m doing. If I had stepped away from Wales and missed it, things might have been different. But I feel it was the right time to move on."
Biggar remains a key player for Toulon, where his leadership and tactical kicking continue to impress.
Surprise Fact: Biggar’s pre-kick routine, the ‘Biggar Shuffle,’ was inspired by Elvis Presley.
4. Zach Mercer – Injury and club switch
England No. 8 Zach Mercer will miss the Lions tour after being ruled out for the season with a knee injury. Gloucester confirmed in December that Mercer, who had an outside shot at selection despite being overlooked by England, won’t return this season.
Once named Top 14 Player of the Year with Montpellier, Mercer returned to England in 2023 to chase a World Cup spot but was ignored by Steve Borthwick. Now, Toulon are prepared to buy out his Gloucester contract, meaning Mercer could soon be back in French rugby.
Despite his injury, Mercer was voted Gloucester’s Player of the Year in his debut season, proving his popularity with fans.
Surprise Fact: Mercer captained England U20s to victory in the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship, beating New Zealand in the semi-finals.
5. Joe Marler – Retirement closes Lions chapter
Veteran prop Joe Marler was a bookies’ favourite to make the 2025 Lions tour, but his international retirement has ended any hopes of a call-up. The 90-cap England loosehead announced his Test retirement after the 2024 Six Nations, confirming he won’t be available for selection.
A dominant scrummager and larger-than-life character, Marler was part of England’s 2019 Rugby World Cup final squad and remained in contention for Steve Borthwick’s team until recently. After missing out on the 2017 and 2021 Lions tours, this was likely his last chance to wear the famous red jersey.
Despite his absence, Marler remains a key figure at Harlequins, where his experience and set-piece prowess continue to be invaluable.
Surprise Fact: Marler once dyed his hair bright blue to raise awareness for mental health charities, showing his commitment to supporting mental well-being in rugby.
