England legend Joe Marler has taken to social media to share what all England fans are thinking over the Willis brothers’ selection policy decisions by the RFU.
Marler took to social media saying, “I think not picking one of the best back rowers in the world for your team is definitely the right call…….”
The comments came shortly after the Top 14 final, where Jack Willis starred for Toulouse as they won their fourth final in a row.
Tom Willis had been named PREM player of the year but is heading to play for Bordeaux Begles next season and therefore neither got selected for the England squad by Steve Borthwick this summer.
What is England’s selection policy for overseas based players?
The “Hard Line” on Foreign-Based Players
For years, one of the most fiercely debated topics in British sport has been the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) strict overseas selection policy.
Under the current regulations—reaffirmed through the Men’s Professional Game Partnership (MPGP) running through 2032—any England-qualified player who chooses to sign for a club outside the Gallagher Premiership becomes automatically ineligible for national selection.
The RFU and Premiership Rugby Ltd (PRL) enforce this rule with two primary objectives in mind:
Protecting the Domestic League:
By tying England caps to the Premiership, the RFU creates a massive commercial incentive for top-tier home talent to stay in England, keeping the domestic game competitive against higher-salary leagues like France’s Top 14.
Player Welfare and Access
England head coach Steve Borthwick has unrestricted training access to Premiership-based players outside standard World Rugby Regulation 9 international windows. Overseas clubs are under no contractual obligation to release players for these crucial preparation weeks.
While the policy protects the domestic structure, it forces elite players into an agonising career trade-off: maximise your club earning potential and developmental growth abroad, or sacrifice the white jersey
The Willis Brothers Case Study: Exceptional Talent vs. Unforgiving Rules
No situation highlights the collateral damage of this selection policy more vividly than the international exile of Jack and Tom Willis. Both brothers are widely considered to be world-class back-row forwards at the peak of their athletic powers, yet neither can be selected by Steve Borthwick.
Here is a breakdown of why both brothers are sidelined from representing England.
Jack Willis: A Golden Waiver Expires in Toulouse
Jack Willis’ move to France was born out of tragedy rather than a desire to leave England. When Wasps tragically entered administration in late 2022, the flanker suddenly found himself unemployed. He signed a short-term deal with French giants Toulouse, and the RFU granted him an “exceptional circumstances” waiver, allowing him to play for England in the 2023 Six Nations.
However, that loophole slammed shut when Jack signed long-term contract extensions with Toulouse. Having won multiple Top 14 titles and a Champions Cup in France, his form has skyrocketed, but his decision to remain in France means his international career is officially on ice. Willis has publicly stated he is “at peace” with the reality of his choice, prioritising his development and happiness at one of Europe’s elite clubs over the strict criteria of the RFU.
Tom Willis: The Return to France Triggers Ineligibility
Tom Willis followed a remarkably similar path but with a different twist. Following the Wasps’ collapse, the dynamic No. 8 spent a brief period with Bordeaux-Bègles before rushing back to the Gallagher Premiership to sign with Saracens in 2023, specifically to keep his England dreams alive.
The gamble paid off initially; Tom excelled in north London and broke into Borthwick’s side, earning his first England start at No. 8. However, the financial realities and allure of French rugby came calling once again. Tom opted to reject a contract extension from the Saracens, signing a lucrative deal to return to Bordeaux-Bègles. By crossing the English Channel back to France, he joined his brother Jack in international exile.
As other rugby nations like Australia relax their overseas rules to adapt to the global market, the RFU stands firm. For the Willis brothers, the choice was clear: prioritise elite club environments and financial security in France, even if it means watching the Six Nations from the grandstands.
