Jack Willis received the prestigious Top 14 Player of the Year award on Monday, showcasing his outstanding performance for French champions Toulouse. The English flanker, who made the move to France in 2022, has consistently excelled, winning three consecutive Top 14 titles with Toulouse.
Despite being overlooked by the English national team due to their policy against selecting players based overseas, Willis has thrived with Toulouse, having abandoned his childhood club, Wasps, to join the French team. Initially arriving on a short-term contract, Willis committed his future to Toulouse, effectively closing the door on representing England. At 28 years old, Willis, with only 14 caps for England, is currently at the peak of his career.
In a stiff competition, Willis outshone his Toulouse teammate Thomas Ramos and Bayonne’s Sireli Maqala to claim the esteemed award in the highly esteemed Top 14 league. His triumph marks a shift from Antoine Dupont, who had clinched the title in the previous years.
Expressing gratitude at the awards ceremony in Paris, Willis acknowledged the collective effort of his team, stating that all his fellow players were deserving of recognition. Reflecting on his journey, Willis noted the opportunity Toulouse provided him, leading to his current success three years later.
During his tenure with Toulouse, Willis also secured the European Cup, further solidifying his impact with the club. He has signed a contract extension with Toulouse until 2029, with a provision to return to England for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
England’s stringent policy has led to missed opportunities to select top-tier players like Willis, showcasing their commitment to keeping players within the domestic system. England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, emphasized the importance of nurturing a strong domestic league to retain talent and prevent players from seeking opportunities abroad.