The sight of Tom and Jack Willis locked in a brotherly headlock during a fiery Champions Cup clash was a moment of mirth for the Saracens crowd. Yet, the underlying story is one of significant sporting consequence for England. As Steve Borthwick prepares to name his Six Nations squad on 23 January 2026, the standout performances of the Willis siblings in Saracens' gritty win over Toulouse only highlight a glaring absence in national team planning.
A Family Affair on the Field
On a wretched night in north London, the Investec Champions Cup tie between Saracens and Toulouse was illuminated by the duel between the Willis brothers. Tom Willis, the Saracens number eight, ultimately got the better of his older brother Jack, who now stars for Toulouse. The emotional clash, their first since Wasps' demise three-and-a-half years ago, saw both men deliver arguably the finest individual performances on the pitch.
Jack Willis was Toulouse's brightest spark, producing trademark turnovers and a tone-setting early tackle. Meanwhile, Tom was a consistent force for Saracens, demonstrating an uncanny ability to wriggle through contact and gain crucial metres. Saracens lock Maro Itoje praised both, giving a "slight nudge" to Tom on the night, but acknowledged Jack's disruptive prowess at the breakdown.
The RFU Selection Policy Dilemma
Despite their club heroics, neither Willis brother will feature in Borthwick's upcoming England squad. Jack has been ineligible since extending his contract with Toulouse after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he played a limited role. More notably, Tom Willis, despite holding one of the RFU's 25 enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts, has also been ruled out.
This decision follows Tom's confirmed move to re-join his brother in France's Top 14 next season, signing for Bordeaux Begles. The RFU's policy of not selecting overseas-based players (with limited exceptions) is being applied firmly, even though Tom remains eligible domestically until the summer. The move surprised many, as the 26-year-old had established himself as a key England player, effectively turning down a shot at the 2027 World Cup.
A Crowded Back Row, But a Unique Skillset Lost
Borthwick is not short of back-row options. The emergence of young talents like Guy Pepper and Henry Pollock in 2025, alongside the potential of Exeter's Greg Fisilau, creates intense competition. However, the Willis brothers offer proven, world-class qualities currently in their prime.
Tom Willis's "awkward" ball-carrying and ability to gain ground from a standstill provided England with a unique point of difference. His EPS contract was a clear sign of Borthwick's faith. Jack, meanwhile, remains one of Europe's most effective breakdown specialists. Their simultaneous unavailability, due to a rigid application of the selection policy, deprives England of two potent weapons as they look to build on an encouraging 2025 and challenge for Six Nations silverware.
The bond between the brothers and the allure of Bordeaux proved decisive for Tom Willis, leaving Saracens and the England setup disappointed. While the RFU's stance is understood, the sight of two English talents excelling at the highest level of European rugby, yet inaccessible for the national team, underscores an ongoing club-versus-country tension with no easy resolution in sight.
