Jack Willis hopes RFU policy on not selecting foreign-based players is relaxed after signing three-year deal at Toulouse; flanker feels he can “be best player I can be” at Top 14 club; Willis impressed for England during recent Six Nations and has enjoyed working with Steve Borthwick
Last Updated: 25/04/23 8:00am
Jack Willis wants the RFU to change its policy on not selecting foreign-based players
England and Toulouse flanker Jack Willis wants the Rugby Football Union to reconsider its policy which prevents the selection of foreign-based players.
Willis was given special dispensation to play for England this season having signed a short-term deal at Toulouse after former club Wasps entered administration.
The 26-year-old has since signed a three-year deal at the French club, placing his England future in doubt.
Willis said of the policy: “It’s something that I think should be discussed. It has to be discussed really. It’s not up to me how these decisions go. If it was, I think I know which way I’d be heading for.
Willis established himself as England’s first-choice openside during the Six Nations
“Hopefully they think it through and hopefully things can change to a degree and open up a little bit more on the leniency.
Willis hopes ‘things align slightly better’
“To play for England, you’ve got to play your best rugby and I felt like [Toulouse] was the right place for me to develop as a rugby player and be t …