The Toulouse flanker Jack Willis believes England’s eligibility rules should be relaxed and is hopeful of remaining available for selection after the Rugby World Cup, revealing a swift return to the Premiership “was not feasible”.
Willis has prospered with Toulouse since joining the Top 14 side after he was made redundant by Wasps and recently signed a new contract through to 2026.
While Steve Borthwick can select him this season because the Rugby Football Union allowed displaced players from Wasps and Worcester to be available through to the World Cup, as things stand it appears Willis will be unavailable after the tournament in France.
Willis may argue, however, that the exception should still apply next season on the basis that the reduced salary cap in the Premiership and the financial outlook for most clubs meant it was not realistic to find an English team.