The Willis brothers, Tom and Jack, delivered standout performances in Saracens' Champions Cup win over Toulouse, yet both remain unavailable for England selection due to policy and personal decisions. Tom, who has one of the 25 enhanced EPS contracts, will leave Saracens for Bordeaux Begles at the end of the season, while Jack extended his stay at Toulouse after the 2023 World Cup.
Tom Willis, 26, has been one of Saracens' most consistent performers, praised by teammate Maro Itoje as 'probably the most awkward ball carrier I have seen'. However, his decision to return to France has led head coach Steve Borthwick to exclude him from the England squad, which will be named on 23 January for the Six Nations.
The RFU's selection policy bars players based abroad, meaning both brothers, despite their quality, cannot represent England. Jack was a bit-part figure in the 2023 World Cup before his injury, and Tom's move to Bordeaux ends his international prospects for the 2027 cycle.
Itoje acknowledged the brothers' impact: 'I thought both Willises played really well. Jack had his trademark turnovers again and again. Tom was fantastic.' The sibling bond and the appeal of reuniting in France were cited as factors in Tom's decision, which surprised some given his England contract.
