Jack Willis to Sign Lucrative Contract, Becoming One of World's Highest-Paid Players

The 27-year-old, currently contracted until 2026, has impressed Les Rouge et Noir with his comeback from a neck injury that cut short his participation in England’s Rugby World Cup campaign.

Willis, a popular figure in southern France, has downplayed the prospect of returning to the Gallagher Premiership—where his younger brother Tom plays for Saracens—after playing a key role in Toulouse's Top 14 and Investec Champions Cup successes.

A potential Premiership return in the summer of 2026 could offer Willis a valuable lead-in to the next World Cup, particularly if he teams up with Tom.

Alternatively, he could become a pivotal figure for a club seeking an on-field leader. Premiership rules allow for a “marquee” or “exempt” player, whose salary would not count towards the cap, making Willis an appealing option financially.

For England head coach Steve Borthwick, Willis would be a significant asset as the World Cup cycle concludes. Additionally, with Lions selection on the horizon, his achievements with Toulouse position him as a strong contender for Andy Farrell’s squad.

Below, we look at what changes Steve Borthwick could make for next weekend's clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park.

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Inexcusable miss in front of the posts early in the second half, but bounced back immediately with some passes timed to absolute perfection as England scored their second. After being penned back in the first half due to New Zealand’s territorial supremacy, he was able to express himself much more after the break as England gained more control. Unfortunately, two kicks from five are the statistics that can define Test matches though, and that might well have been the case in Dunedin"

Telegraph 6/10: "Missed two sitters off the tee which England had to take. Didn’t love the grubber when England were attacking well but two slick passes before Feyi-Waboso’s score. Bottom line, the missed points were critical. "

Replacement: Fin Smith is waiting the wings, but we'd give Marcus another run out next weekend

Telegraph 5/10: "Early win at the scrum with a penalty but then absolutely smoked by Lomax. Forced off after 17 minutes to give his young club-mate Fin Baxter a debut."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Scrum penalty won with five minutes on the clock in his battle with Tyrel Lomax, but found himself marching backwards a few minutes later. Left the field injured before 20 minutes had elapsed."

Replacement: Fin Baxter

Rugby Pass 5/10: "The All Blacks’ opening two tries were on his wing and though he was left severely isolated for the opening cross-field kick score, his positioning was poor for the second- although he would have expected Ben Earl to latch onto Stephen Perofeta. That can lead to players trying to force it a bit too much, which led to a knock-on. Was able to iron out many issues after the break though, and came off his wing nicely in the second 40."

Replacement: Freddie Steward would supply better safety under the high ball

Rugby Pass 5.5/10: "Missed a tackle anyone associated with England would have expected him to make on Perofeta in Ardie Savea’s try. One very costly error, but that’s all it takes at this level. England’s go-to man to crash into defenders in an epic battle with his counterpart Savea."

Telegraph 5/10: "Nice offload combining with Mitchell but given the slip by Perofeta and that missed tackle led to Savea’s score. Not his best though with a couple of soft mistakes."

Replacement: Go again