The loophole that means England can now call up Jack Willis

Introduced after the 2011 World Cup, the policy restricts England selection to players contracted to Premiership clubs. The aim has been to discourage leading English talent from moving to the better-paid leagues in France and Japan.

Willis has played for Toulouse since Wasps collapsed in 2022 and is widely regarded as one of the world's outstanding back-row forwards. In 2025, he was named Top 14 Player of the Year.

He lifted the Top 14 title for a third time in June 2025, scoring two tries as Toulouse defeated Bordeaux Bègles 39-33 after extra time in the final, before adding a fourth championship this season.

Next season, he will be joined in France by his brother Tom, who has given up England eligibility by leaving Saracens to sign for Union Bordeaux Bègles.

The overseas selection policy includes an "exceptional circumstances" clause, according to The Telegraph.

Former England head coach Stuart Lancaster gave serious consideration to using it before the 2015 World Cup, when Steffon Armitage was dominating the Top 14 in much the same way Willis is now.

The clause was invoked when Willis initially moved to France and is generally reserved for situations involving a severe injury crisis. However, there is a growing argument that his performances merit another exception.

England head into the new season on the back of five consecutive Test defeats, with the World Cup in Australia little more than a year away.

Supporters of a recall could argue those circumstances are exceptional enough to justify selecting Willis, particularly given the potential impact a successful World Cup campaign could have on the English game.

One senior Premiership club source told The Telegraph they would have no objection to a one-off exemption allowing Willis to represent England at the World Cup.