Jack Willis seeks renewed RFU talks in bid to keep England career alive
The former Wasps flanker suffered a neck problem in England’s 71-0 win over Chile, and had to admit defeat and withdraw from the rest of the tournament.
Willis’ England career is now on pause under the current regulations, with the RFU deeming his case no longer meets the “exceptional circumstances” clause required for overseas-based players to represent England.
The 26-year-old was given special dispensation to keep playing for England while in Toulouse last season and for the World Cup, having lost his job when Wasps went into administration a year ago.
The RFU have confirmed that temporary exception has now ended, after Willis signed a new two-year deal to stay at Toulouse.
But Willis, who helped Toulouse win the French Top 14 league last season, has revealed his continued determination to convince England that should extend his Test career while abroad.
Asked if he now expects his England career to be on pause while he remains in France, Willis told the Evening Standard’s Lawrence Dallaglio Rugby Podcast: “Look, as it stands at the moment that’s the situation.
“Any discussions around what the future holds, I will be saving and the RFU will be saving for post-World Cup. The World Cup is the focus for now.
“The one thing that I can be pretty clear about is I want to be playing for England. I would obviously want the rule to change.
“I love playing for Toulouse, I am so grateful for the opportunity they have given me after losing my job almost a year ago.
“They gave me an arm and reached out when I didn’t really have anything else, I didn’t have anything else in England in that time.
And I’ve loved every minute of being out here.
“I feel I’m in a place that will make me better as a rugby player and hopefully they will see things the same way.
“But I also understand that there are a lot of other considerations.”
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has already confirmed that Willis will be off-limits in terms of England selection for the Six Nations and while he remains in Toulouse.
Former London Irish wing Henry Arundell will be granted dispensation to represent England next season while playing for Racing 92.
The RFU hope that a Premiership club can entice Arundell back to England for the 2024-25 campaign, so that he does not end up outside of selection bounds.
England boss Borthwick has been clear on his determination to find a way to pick all his best players, and Willis will also continue to explore ways to stay in Toulouse but also extend his Test career.
A neck injury has ruled Willis out of the rest of the World Cup
/ APThe Reading-born back-row forward now hopes that his neck problem will prove relatively minor, as he looks to step into a new season with Toulouse.
“Necks and nerves, you’ve just got to look after, it’s not one you can push too much and take too many risks with,” said Willis.
“It was only this week guaranteed at the World Cup, and that was the logic behind the decision. Unfortunately the decision was made to send me home.
“But I have no regrets from everything that I threw into the tournament.
“I loved all of it, it really is a great group and I think the next few weeks are going to be a great few weeks for all of them.”
England lost out 30-22 to Fiji at Twickenham in August, for their first-ever defeat to the Pacific Islanders.
Borthwick’s men will face Fiji again in Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final in Marseille, with Willis gutted not to be involved – but fully backing England to prevail.
England laboured to an 18-17 win over Samoa to close their Pool D campaign but had already qualified for the last-eight, and Willis believes the knockout factor will spur the Red Rose men on this weekend.
“When a game has no real cost to it, if you like, there is a difference,” said Willis.
“We’re all competitive beasts, when it really means something, that’s when it really counts.
“This weekend you’ll see a group that will go out there and will do a job, I firmly believe that.”
