Tom Willis, Bordeaux's No 8, will face Gloucester in the Champions Cup on Friday, a match that underscores the void his move to France has created for England coach Steve Borthwick.
With the Rugby World Cup approaching, Borthwick is allowed to select one player based outside England. While consensus points to Jack Willis, Tom's brother and Toulouse captain, the younger Willis's form for Bordeaux has been exceptional this season, making him a compelling candidate.
Willis's Decision and Its Consequences
Willis's choice to head to France after receiving an enhanced contract was unprecedented. He informed Borthwick shortly before the 2025 autumn internationals, having accepted a contract worth £150,000 a couple of months earlier. Despite his potential as a ball-carrying forward, Borthwick left him out, citing the need to focus on the World Cup with less than two years to go.
“He’s an incredible competitor,” Bordeaux’s attack coach Noel McNamara said. “You can talk all you want about the technical and tactical but sometimes it’s just about desire. He won an aerial battle a couple weeks ago that I showed to the backs. Tom just wanted that ball, he’s an unbelievable competitor more than anything else. The Top 14 is incredibly competitive, because of relegation, because of the JIFF rule [which limits the number of foreign players]. That adds its own pressure and it’s not for everybody. We knew what we were getting, not just the player, he’s a fantastic human being.”
Willis's Perspective on the Selection Policy
Willis acknowledged the complexity of the situation. “I understand both sides, I understand the benefits for the [Prem], and I knew the rules before making my choice. I have no problem with it,” he told Midi Olympique. “There are strong arguments on both sides. Some say it’s bad, others that it’s necessary. I could have stayed in England to remain eligible, but I decided to leave.”
Willis's connection to Bordeaux runs deep. After Wasps went bust, he joined the club on a short-term deal in November 2022 before moving to Saracens the following summer. He arrived in France without speaking French and had never lived alone, but the personal growth he experienced fostered a strong bond with the club. Proximity to his brother Jack was also a significant factor.
His Rise and the Impact of His Absence
Willis's performances have been impressive. In his final season with Saracens, he was named Prem player of the year, producing more carries and beating more defenders than anyone in the league. His form continued at Bordeaux, where he has been a standout player.
McNamara noted Willis's versatility. “Jack is perceived as more of a defensive player and Tom as offensive but we can be very reductive,” he said. “Against Clermont recently Tom had four turnovers. He’s a very smart player, he’s got leadership capabilities. He is doing that with his actions and he’s learning the language diligently so he can express himself.”
The result is that one of England's most talented players will not feature in the World Cup next year. Willis, however, expressed no regrets. “I did get the opportunities, and I was delighted to have them,” he said. “I have no issue with the coaching staff. I simply chose something different.”
