Tom Willis looks set for a return to the international stage this summer after being named in the Barbarians squad to face Wales at Allianz Stadium on June 27.
The Saracens No.8 has spent the season producing some of the strongest performances of his career, yet remained absent from England plans following confirmation of his move to France next season.
Now, with a summer appearance for the Barbarians looming, Willis has the chance to remind everyone exactly what England have been missing.
A standout season overlooked by England
Willis has not featured in international rugby at any level this season despite consistently ranking among the Premiership’s best performers.
The 27-year-old will join Union Bordeaux Bègles at the end of the campaign. While that move technically did not make him unavailable for England immediately, it effectively pushed him out of Steve Borthwick’s long-term plans.
England’s struggles during the 2026 Six Nations Championship only intensified scrutiny around that decision.
Few forwards in Europe have matched Willis statistically this season. He leads the Premiership for carries, sits among the division’s top tacklers and turnover winners, and has produced perhaps the most eye-catching attacking numbers of all.
His 92 defenders beaten stand comfortably above the rest of the league—a remarkable figure for a back-row forward and a reflection of the relentless carrying style that has made him such a force for Saracens.
At times this season, England have looked short of exactly that sort of directness.
Barbarians opportunity offers fresh spotlight
The Barbarians fixture now gives Willis a high-profile stage just weeks before Wales begin their Nations Championship campaign.
The invitational side, coached by Robbie Deans, traditionally leans towards flair and attacking rugby, which should suit Willis perfectly. Few English forwards combine power and footwork as effectively as the Saracens back-rower when he plays with freedom.
For Willis personally, the timing feels significant.
His departure for France closes one chapter of his career, but the Barbarians appearance offers a reminder that he still belongs firmly within conversations around top-level international rugby.
Saracens still chasing a Premiership finish
Before then, Willis still has unfinished business in north London.
Saracens remain locked in the race for the Premiership play-offs and currently sit seven points behind fourth-placed Exeter Chiefs with four games remaining.
That fight could yet extend Tom Willis domestic career in England by another week, with the Premiership final scheduled just seven days before the Barbarians face Wales.
Whether Saracens reach Twickenham or not, Willis has already delivered one of the standout individual campaigns in the league.
The Barbarians call simply ensures his season will receive one more deserved spotlight before he heads to the Top 14.
