Jack Willis addresses quitting England for Six Nations rival at 2027 Rugby World Cup

The 29-year-old remains unavailable to Steve Borthwick under the RFU’s overseas selection policy.

However, a reported break clause in his Toulouse contract could offer a route back to international rugby ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Although Willis is contracted to Toulouse until 2029, RUCK previously reported a potential route back to England through a break clause in his deal.

The Telegraph reported that the arrangement could allow him to sign for a Prem club for the 2027–28 season.

Willis has previously been linked with a move to Saracens, although no return to the Prem has been confirmed.

An England comeback would not be his only theoretical route to Test rugby.

Willis has an Irish-born grandfather, giving him a birthright connection to Ireland.

Under World Rugby’s eligibility regulations, a capped player can switch nations once, subject to approval, after three years witho

An England comeback would not be his only theoretical route to Test rugby.

Willis has an Irish-born grandfather, giving him a birthright connection to Ireland.

Under World Rugby’s eligibility regulations, a capped player can switch nations once, subject to approval, after three years without representing their original union.

His last England appearance came against Chile on September 23, 2023, meaning that three-year period would be completed before the next World Cup.

Munster have also been linked with the flanker, raising the possibility of a different route back to international rugby.

However, Ireland ordinarily select players based at their provinces, so any switch would also require him to resolve his Toulouse contract situation.

The reported break clause concerns a Prem move. It has not been established that the same arrangement would permit a year at Munster.

Crucially, Willis has given no indication that he intends to pursue an Ireland switch.

Speaking on For The Love Of Rugby in April 2026, he acknowledged his family connection.

“I am quarter Irish,” he explained. “My granddad is fully Irish, but you know, if it involves moving, then that sort of puts me in the same situation as it would for England; it’s the same rule.

“So yeah, there are always different things you can think about, but you would knacker yourself out if you were always thinking about changing or moving and going here and there. Sometimes you have to accept your reality, and I feel like my reality is pretty good. I am pretty grateful for being part of this club.”

The eligibility link exists, but a switch would depend on his own ambitions, his club arrangements and World Rugby approval.