Jack Willis eyes possible Ireland switch from England

Jack Willis has been named Top 14 player of the year for the second season running, and the recognition has revived talk of an international return, this time potentially in an Ireland jersey rather than an England one.

The Toulouse flanker moved to France in 2022 after the collapse of Wasps and has since become a regular captain of the club, helping it to a fourth successive Top 14 title last season. He won the last of his 14 England caps at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The Rugby Football Union does not select players based overseas, and Willis, whose deal at Toulouse runs to 2029, has been shut out of contention ever since.

More than three years have now passed since that last England appearance, which under World Rugby's regulations opens the door for him to switch allegiance. Willis qualifies for Ireland through a grandfather born in Belfast.

The obstacle is Ireland's own selection policy. Like England, the Irish Rugby Football Union tends not to pick players outside its four United Rugby Championship provinces, and Willis would need to sign for one of them to become eligible. Exceptions have been made before, Johnny Sexton among them, but there is little sign one would be made for Willis.

The player himself sounded doubtful about any international recall.

"I'm a quarter Irish, but I believe they've got the same rules as England," Willis told reporters.

With Toulouse committed until 2029 and Ireland showing no appetite to bend its provincial rule, a switch looks unlikely to move beyond speculation for now.