Newcastle Red Bulls make England back-rower their 'top target'

Thursday, 11 September 2025 at 10:25

byRugby Rucker

Newcastle Red Bulls have set their sights on back-row powerhouse Tom Willis, with the No.8 out of contract next summer.

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The younger brother of England star Jack Willis, Tom first made his name with Wasps, where he came through the academy ranks and made his Premiership debut against Saracens back in 2017.

Over the next five years, Willis became a regular for his boyhood club, chalking up more than 50 appearances before Wasps’ collapse in 2022 forced him to move abroad.

He linked up with Bordeaux-Bègles for the 2022/23 season, before returning to the Gallagher Premiership to join Saracens a year later.

On the international stage, Willis has long been tipped for big things. He represented England U18s in 2016 and was part of the U20s squad that reached the World Championship final two years later.

His persistence paid off when he was named in England’s senior training squad ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, going on to make his Test debut off the bench against Wales in August.

Now, with his contract ticking down, Newcastle are ready to swoop – and the chance to make the dynamic No.8 their marquee signing could be too good to pass up.

2025 World XV: Four Lions Included

The British & Irish Lions may have returned from Australia with a 2–1 series victory, but selection into the current World XV has been far less generous.

Despite Maro Itoje leading the side to glory as captain, only four Lions make the cut—evidence that while the tour was successful on the scoreboard,

it didn’t necessarily produce a team packed with the form players of world rugby. South Africa and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.

World XV

1. Ox Nché (South Africa — Loose-head Prop)

The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)

Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.

3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand — Tight-head Prop)

Now firmly established as the All Blacks’ anchor on the tight-head side, Lomax offers brute force in the scrum and strong contributions in the loose. His work rate around the field complements his set-piece reliability.

4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)

A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.

5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)

Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.

6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)

A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)

Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.

8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)

A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.

9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)

The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)

Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.

11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)

Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.

12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)

Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.

13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)

Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.

14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)

Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.

15. Tom Wright (Australia — Fullback)

Australia’s dependable fullback brings a sharp counter-attacking game and safe hands under the high ball. His positional play and attacking awareness make him a key figure in the Wallabies backline.

QUIZ: Can you name these 10 England one-cap wonders…

This quiz challenges you to identify 10 players who earned the rare distinction of making just one appearance for the England rugby team.

These "one-cap wonders" might have been on the brink of a promising international career, unlucky with competition in their position, or simply never got another chance after their debut.

Test your knowledge and see if you can remember these players who had their brief moment in the England jersey!

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