Jack Willis is hopeful he can continue to represent England after the World Cup as the openside flanker closes in on a new contract with Toulouse in the Top 14
The 26-year-old, whose Toulouse deal expires at the end of the season, required special dispensation to represent England because Rugby Football Union regulations dictate players based abroad are not eligible for selection. The RFU has made a special case for players forced to move byand Worcester, up until and including the World Cup, after which those based abroad will again become ineligible as things stand.
With Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Marchant, Sam Simmonds, David Ribbans and Jack Nowell all moving to clubs in France next season, however, Borthwick has said he wants licence to pick “the best players” with the RFU and Premiership Rugby engaged in talks over restructuring English rugby as part of the next Professional Game Agreement.
“Steve Borthwick coming out and supporting that shows there are lots of people behind the scenes working to try to find the right solution for English rugby moving forwards,” Willis told the Evening Standard Rugby Podcast. “There are lots of avenues to explore. The positive thing for me is that it seems that hopefully that’s on the table, and at least being discussed. We’ll see. Steve’s been fantastic with me throughout this Six Nations on many levels – his support and his work with Toulouse. Toulouse have been brilliant as well and showed how smooth that process can be.
“There have been lots of conversations back and forth about what would be best for me being involved with England and how can we help with Toulouse if they needed me for the weekend.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
History beckons for Ireland at Rugby World Cup after grand slam glory | Robert KitsonAndy Farrell’s men are deservedly favourites for France while England must learn quickly from their disappointing Six Nations
Read more »
Ireland's Grand Slam triumph now sees them turn their eyes towards ending World Cup hoodooIreland cemented their status as kings of Europe with a Grand Slam winning performance in the Six Nations, but what does this mean ahead of the Rugby World Cup later in the year?
Read more »
Scott Robertson to succeed Ian Foster as All Blacks coach after Rugby World CupNew Zealand Rugby has revealed Scott Robertson will succeed Ian Foster and become All Blacks head coach after the 2023 Rugby World Cup
Read more »
Socceroos World Cup star Mitchell Duke eyeing future career swansong in A-League Men'sAustralian World Cup hero Mitchell Duke is aiming to finish his career back home, with the 32-year old eyeing a return to one of his former clubs.
Read more »
Birthday video shows Bruce Willis joking, singing one year after aphasia diagnosisBruce Willis has been out of the public eye since his family announced his diagnosis, but videos from the 68-year-old Die Hard star's birthday reveal how he and his family are coping with his illness.
Read more »
Manchester United pushed to limit by Lewes in Women’s FA Cup battleLate goals from Vilde Bøe Risa and Nikita Parris ensured Manchester United progress to the FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Lewes
Read more »