Statement: Saracens confirms Tom Willis departure

Saturday, 18 October 2025 at 20:23

bySteven Smith

Saracens have confirmed that powerhouse No. 8 Tom Willis will leave the club at the end of the season to take up an opportunity in France.

Since arriving in North London in 2023, Willis has been a force in the Gallagher Premiership — a relentless ball-carrier and tireless defender who quickly became a fan favourite. In just two seasons, he’s pulled on the Black and Red jersey 43 times, earning a spot in last year’s Premiership Dream Team and breaking into the England setup, where he’s now capped eight times.

Director of Rugby Mark McCall paid tribute to the 26-year-old’s impact on and off the field.

“Whilst we are disappointed that Tom will not be extending his time at the club, we fully respect his decision to pursue a new challenge in France.

He has made a great impact on the field and been a popular team-mate off it.

I know he is determined to give everything to the group over the coming months. Everyone at Saracens thank Tom for all his efforts in a Saracens jersey.”

Willis spoke with emotion about his time at StoneX Stadium.

“I've absolutely loved my time at Saracens and have made some friends for life.

This was one of the hardest decisions of my life but it’s one that feels right for me.

I will continue to give everything for this club for the remainder of the season and I’m very excited about what this squad can achieve.”

From a standout first season to international honours, Willis leaves Saracens having cemented his reputation as one of the Premiership’s most dynamic back-rowers — and he’ll be looking to finish his time in North London with a final push for silverware.

“$36 billion” – Richest Rugby Owners (Ranked 5-1)

Rugby has long been a sport of grit, tradition, and community. But behind the scrums and lineouts, there’s an increasingly influential class shaping the modern game — the richest rugby owners whose business empires bankroll the sport’s professional era.

From industrial magnates to energy drink giants, these are the wealthiest figures driving rugby’s future.

Simon Orange

Nationality: English
Net Worth: £1.25 billion
Rugby CV: Co-owner, Sale Sharks

For Simon Orange, rugby is as much a local passion as it is a family affair. The Sale Sharks co-owner recently saw his wealth surge after selling a majority stake in his investment firm, Corpacq, in a deal valued at over £1 billion. The buyer, private equity giant TDR Capital, acquired the business Orange founded and chaired back in 2006.

Headquartered in Altrincham, Corpacq invests in small and medium-sized U.K. enterprises, particularly in the industrial and services sectors. The firm’s portfolio now includes 43 companies, generating £697 million in revenue and £119 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023.

Despite his business triumphs, Orange’s profile extends beyond finance. Since acquiring Sale Sharks in 2016, he’s helped stabilise the Premiership club alongside wife Michelle — and often finds his name in headlines alongside his famous brother, former Take That singer Jason Orange.

Mohed Altrad

Nationality: Syrian/French
Net Worth: €3.6 billion
Rugby CV: Majority Shareholder, Montpellier Hérault Rugby

Few stories in sport rival that of Mohed Altrad. Born in Syria and migrating to France in 1969, he arrived without speaking the language and survived on a single meal a day. Decades later, he leads the Altrad Group, a global construction powerhouse producing scaffolding and cement mixers, with revenues of $2.4 billion and more than 21,000 employees.

Altrad’s journey from hardship to billionaire status mirrors the resilience he sees in rugby. As majority shareholder of Montpellier Hérault Rugby, he describes his investment as a reflection of the same principles that built his company: passion, dedication, teamwork, and respect. “Rugby,” he says, “truly embodies these values.” Under his ownership, Montpellier has enjoyed unprecedented success in French rugby’s top flight.

Hans-Peter Wild

Nationality: German
Net Worth: €3.7 billion
Rugby CV: Owner, Stade Français

For Hans-Peter Wild, rugby represents both a passion project and a platform for national ambition. The German billionaire, son of Wild company founder Rudolf Wild, co-created the Capri Sun brand in 1970 — a drink that became a global household name and the cornerstone of his fortune.

His enthusiasm for rugby began in Germany, where he founded the Wild Rugby Academy to nurture domestic talent and build an internationally competitive team. But his biggest splash came in France, where he took control of Stade Français, one of Europe’s most storied clubs. With his resources and determination, Wild aims to restore the Parisian team’s glory days and prove that financial backing and cultural respect can coexist in the modern rugby landscape.

Jacky Lorenzetti

Nationality: Swiss
Net Worth: €4 billion
Rugby CV: Majority Owner, Racing 92

Not every rugby tycoon was born with a love for the game. Swiss-born businessman Jacky Lorenzetti only discovered rugby after moving to France and marrying into a family of passionate supporters. A graduate of Lausanne’s hotel school, Lorenzetti made his fortune by founding Foncia, Europe’s largest real estate company.

That fortune eventually found its way to Racing 92, a then-second-tier French club he acquired a 62% stake in. Under Lorenzetti’s stewardship, Racing has become one of Europe’s most formidable teams, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and an enviable roster of international stars.

His investments have not only transformed the club but also helped shape the broader financial landscape of French rugby — even if not every marquee signing has delivered on expectation.

Chalerm Yoovidhya

Nationality: Thai
Net Worth: $36 billion (company value)
Rugby CV: Owners, Newcastle Red Bulls (formerly Newcastle Falcons)

Towering above the rest in financial might is Red Bull, whose empire straddles energy drinks, Formula 1, and now rugby. The Austrian company — half-owned by Chalerm Yoovidhya and family (estimated net worth $36 billion) and the other half by Mark Mateschitz ($39.6 billion) — made headlines this year when it acquired Premiership side Newcastle Falcons, rebranding them as the Newcastle Red Bulls.

Red Bull’s arrival at Kingston Park has injected new hope among fans, many of whom dream of rekindling the club’s glory days. Known for its aggressive sports marketing and high-performance ethos, the company’s foray into rugby could reshape how professional clubs operate, merging global branding power with grassroots identity.

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