"Best in Europe" - Jack Willis is set to make shock comeback for England

Saturday, 07 June 2025 at 07:58

byRugby Rucker

England flanker Jack Willis has committed his future to French giants Toulouse by signing a four-year deal last October, 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.

Sir Clive Woodward blasts FIVE Lions omissions

rom a back-row juggernaut tearing it up in France, to one of the best No.10s never to wear the famous red jersey, these omissions have sparked outrage — and Woodward isn’t holding back.

Here are the five big names left out, according to Sir Clive ?

? 1. Jack Willis (Toulouse & England)

Position: Flanker
Age: 28
Caps: 14 (England)
Club: Toulouse (Top 14)

Thrown out of Wasps when the club collapsed, Willis rebuilt his career in France — and he's done it in spectacular fashion. A turnover machine with brutal power and unrivalled work rate, he's been a key part of Toulouse's dominance.

?️ “He’s the best player in Europe for me… it’s ridiculous he’s ineligible for England anyway.” wrote Woodward in the Mail Online.

"Willis’s form for the last two years in France has been extraordinary. He should undoubtedly be a Test Lion in waiting."– Sir Clive

The fact he’s not Lions-eligible because of England’s overseas selection policy? Even more ridiculous.

? 2. Courtney Lawes (Brive & England)

Position: Lock / Flanker
Age: 36
Caps: 105 (England), 5 (Lions)
Club: CA Brive (Pro D2)

Yes — he’s in France’s second division. But Lawes is still turning in top-tier performances week in, week out. A veteran of three Lions tours, his ability to cover lock and blindside flanker, dominate collisions, and lead under pressure is unrivalled.

?️ “Experience, leadership, physicality – Lawes is still one of the best.” – Sir Clive

Still playing like it’s 2017? He probably should be on the tour, not watching it.

? 3. Owen Farrell (Racing 92 & England

Position: Fly-half / Inside Centre
Age: 33
Caps: 112 (England), 5 (Lions)
Club: Racing 92 (Top 14)

Farrell stepped back from England duty, but his move to Paris has only added more to his game. Whether you love or loathe him, he’s a proven match-winner, ferocious defender, and serial winner.

His Lions pedigree speaks for itself — 2013, 2017, 2021. And yet, no room in 2025?

? 4. George Ford (Sale Sharks & England)

Position: Fly-half
Age: 32
Caps: 95 (England)
Club: Sale Sharks (Premiership Rugby)

Ford has done it all: World Cup finals, Six Nations wins, game-managing masterclasses. Still, he's never made a Lions squad.

Whether outshining bigger names in crunch moments or orchestrating wins with surgical precision, Ford has every right to feel hard done by — again.

? 5. Jamie George (Saracens & England)

Position: Hooker
Age: 34
Caps: 101 (England), 3 (Lions)
Club: Saracens (Premiership Rugby)

Named England captain for the 2024 Six Nations, George delivered consistently at the set-piece and in open play. Experienced, accurate, and calm under pressure — everything the Lions need in a Test series.

?️ “He’s a leader, a world-class hooker, and one of the most reliable players in the game.”
– Sir Clive

A 2021 Lion and still at the top of his game. His omission? Cold.

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2

If you’re over 30 and can’t name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it’s time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.

From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we’d rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby’s golden era. If the names don’t come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.

Think you’ve got what it takes to ace this one? Let’s find out. Good luck!

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