Jack Willis Opens Door To Ireland Switch Ahead Of Nations Championship

Jack Willis has opened the door to the possibility of representing Ireland after becoming eligible to switch his international allegiance, more than three years on from his last appearance for England.

The Toulouse flanker has not featured at Test level since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, despite establishing himself as one of the leading back-row forwards in European club rugby. Willis was named Top 14 Player of the Year for the second successive season this week, but England’s policy on selecting overseas-based players has kept him out of Steve Borthwick’s squad.

With the inaugural Nations Championship set to resume in November, Willis’ international future has once again become a major talking point. The 29-year-old qualifies to represent Ireland through his Belfast-born grandfather and has now completed the required three-year period since his final England appearance.

Willis remains unavailable for England

Willis earned the last of his 14 England caps against Chile at the Rugby World Cup on 23rd September 2023, having initially been allowed to remain part of the national side after joining Toulouse following the collapse of Wasps.

That dispensation did not continue indefinitely. Willis subsequently committed his club future to Toulouse and is currently contracted to the French champions until 2029, leaving him outside England’s selection policy for players based abroad.

His performances in France have ensured the debate has never disappeared. Willis has become a central figure for Toulouse and has now been voted the outstanding player in the Top 14 in consecutive seasons.

Speaking after collecting his latest award, Willis made it clear that representing England still matters to him, saying: “England is always something on my mind. I miss it.”

He also acknowledged that remaining with Toulouse was a decision he made knowing the international consequences, with no indication that an England return under the current rules is imminent.

Could Jack Willis now play for Ireland?

Under World Rugby’s eligibility regulations, a player who has already represented one country can apply to represent another if they have the required birthright connection and at least three years have passed since their previous international appearance.

The player must be eligible for the second country through their own place of birth or that of a parent or grandparent, while any transfer must also receive World Rugby approval. A player can only make such a transfer once.

Willis meets the family connection requirement through his grandfather and, following the third anniversary of his final England appearance on 23rd September 2026, has completed the required stand-down period.

The Toulouse forward has acknowledged his Irish eligibility when discussing his international future, joking that reporters could “find the route”, although his comments were accompanied by another clear statement of his continuing desire to represent England.

There has therefore been no confirmation that Willis intends to apply to change allegiance.

Ireland’s selection policy remains a major obstacle

World Rugby eligibility is only one part of the situation.

Ireland overwhelmingly select players who are based within their provincial system at Leinster, Munster, Ulster or Connacht. Willis remains committed to Toulouse, meaning his club situation would present another significant hurdle even if he decided he wanted to pursue an international future with Ireland.

It leaves Willis in an unusual position. He is now potentially able to change international allegiance under World Rugby regulations, but neither England nor Ireland presently offers a straightforward route back into Test rugby while he continues playing in France.

The situation could become increasingly significant with the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, particularly if Willis continues to perform at his current level in the Top 14.

Nations Championship brings international rugby back into focus

The discussion comes little more than a month before the Nations Championship resumes across Europe.

England will play three home fixtures at the Allianz Stadium in November, beginning against Australia on Sunday 8th November before facing Japan on Saturday 14th November and New Zealand on Saturday 21st November.

Ireland are also part of the six-team Northern Hemisphere group, alongside England, France, Scotland, Wales and Italy, with the competition bringing those sides up against Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, Japan and Fiji across the July and November international windows.

The tournament concludes with Finals Weekend at the Allianz Stadium from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November, when the teams from each hemisphere will be matched according to their finishing positions.

Whether Willis becomes involved in international rugby again remains unresolved, but his eligibility to pursue an Ireland switch has added another storyline ahead of a major period of Test rugby.

Nations Championship Hospitality With Eventmasters

The inaugural Nations Championship continues in November 2026, with Eventmasters offering official Nations Championship hospitality for England’s three home fixtures at the Allianz Stadium.

England face Australia on Sunday 8th November, Japan on Saturday 14th November and New Zealand on Saturday 21st November. A choice of VIP hospitality experiences is available for some of the biggest fixtures of the international rugby calendar.

FAQs

Can Jack Willis play for Ireland?

Willis is now able to apply to change his international allegiance to Ireland under World Rugby regulations. He qualifies through his Belfast-born grandfather and has completed the required three-year period since his last appearance for England. Any switch would still require World Rugby approval.

When did Jack Willis last play for England?

Willis won his 14th and most recent England cap against Chile at the 2023 Rugby World Cup on 23rd September 2023.

Why is Jack Willis not eligible to play for England?

Willis currently plays his club rugby for Toulouse in France. England’s selection policy generally prevents overseas-based players from representing the national team, meaning he has been unavailable since his previous exceptional-circumstances dispensation ended.

Has Jack Willis decided to represent Ireland?

No. Willis has discussed his Irish eligibility, but there has been no confirmation that he intends to change allegiance. He has also reiterated that playing for England remains something he would like to do.

When are England’s home Nations Championship fixtures?

England face Australia on Sunday 8th November, Japan on Saturday 14th November and New Zealand on Saturday 21st November 2026 at the Allianz Stadium.