Jack Willis seeks renewed RFU talks in bid to maintain England profession alive
The former Wasps flanker suffered a neck drawback in England’s 71-0 win over Chile, and needed to admit defeat and withdraw from the rest of the tournament.
Willis’ England profession is now on pause underneath the present rules, with the RFU deeming his case now not meets the “exceptional circumstances” clause required for overseas-based gamers to signify England.
The 26-year-old was given particular dispensation to maintain enjoying for England whereas in Toulouse final season and for the World Cup, having misplaced his job when Wasps went into administration a 12 months in the past.
The RFU have confirmed that short-term exception has now ended, after Willis signed a brand new two-year deal to remain at Toulouse.
But Willis, who helped Toulouse win the French Top 14 league final season, has revealed his continued dedication to persuade England that ought to prolong his Test profession whereas overseas.
Asked if he now expects his England profession to be on pause whereas he stays in France, Willis advised the Evening Standard’s Lawrence Dallaglio Rugby Podcast: “Look, as it stands at the moment that’s the situation.
“Any discussions around what the future holds, I will be saving and the RFU will be saving for post-World Cup. The World Cup is the focus for now.
“The one thing that I can be pretty clear about is I want to be playing for England. I would obviously want the rule to change.
“I love playing for Toulouse, I am so grateful for the opportunity they have given me after losing my job almost a year ago.
“They gave me an arm and reached out when I didn’t really have anything else, I didn’t have anything else in England in that time.
And I’ve loved every minute of being out here.
“I feel I’m in a place that will make me better as a rugby player and hopefully they will see things the same way.
“But I also understand that there are a lot of other considerations.”
RFU chief govt Bill Sweeney has already confirmed that Willis can be off-limits when it comes to England choice for the Six Nations and whereas he stays in Toulouse.
Former London Irish wing Henry Arundell can be granted dispensation to signify England subsequent season whereas enjoying for Racing 92.
The RFU hope {that a} Premiership membership can entice Arundell again to England for the 2024-25 marketing campaign, in order that he doesn’t find yourself exterior of choice bounds.
England boss Borthwick has been clear on his dedication to discover a technique to decide all his greatest gamers, and Willis may also proceed to discover methods to remain in Toulouse but in addition prolong his Test profession.
A neck damage has dominated Willis out of the remainder of the World Cup
/ APThe Reading-born back-row ahead now hopes that his neck drawback will show comparatively minor, as he appears to be like to step into a brand new season with Toulouse.
“Necks and nerves, you’ve just got to look after, it’s not one you can push too much and take too many risks with,” mentioned Willis.
“It was only this week guaranteed at the World Cup, and that was the logic behind the decision. Unfortunately the decision was made to send me home.
“But I have no regrets from everything that I threw into the tournament.
“I loved all of it, it really is a great group and I think the next few weeks are going to be a great few weeks for all of them.”
England misplaced out 30-22 to Fiji at Twickenham in August, for his or her first-ever defeat to the Pacific Islanders.
Borthwick’s males will face Fiji once more in Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final in Marseille, with Willis gutted to not be concerned – however totally backing England to prevail.
England laboured to an 18-17 win over Samoa to shut their Pool D marketing campaign however had already certified for the last-eight, and Willis believes the knockout issue will spur the Red Rose males on this weekend.
“When a game has no real cost to it, if you like, there is a difference,” mentioned Willis.
“We’re all competitive beasts, when it really means something, that’s when it really counts.
“This weekend you’ll see a group that will go out there and will do a job, I firmly believe that.”