Tom Willis will leave Saracens at the end of the season after signing a contract with Bordeaux, making him ineligible for Steve Borthwick’s England squad. The 26-year-old No 8 has rejected a new deal from Saracens to return to the French club, where he spent part of the 2022-23 campaign after Wasps entered administration.
Since joining Saracens in 2023, Willis established himself as England’s first-choice No 8 and was awarded an enhanced contract by the Rugby Football Union. However, RFU rules stipulate that only players competing in the Premiership are eligible for Test selection.
Borthwick must now decide whether to pick Willis for the autumn internationals and the 2026 Six Nations, knowing he will not be available for the 2027 World Cup. The head coach names his first training squad on Sunday ahead of Australia’s visit to Twickenham on 1 November.
Saracens’ director of rugby, Mark McCall, said: “Tom and I had a great conversation during the week. Tom had put a lot of thought into the decision and he feels like it’s the right decision for him and his family. He explained a few things to me and we completely respect his decision.”
McCall added: “Given the decision he had made, how well did he play for us against Sale? He’s committed to playing well for us for the rest of the season. We all respect the decision he has taken.”
