Is it the last Six Nations dance for some England players? A number of stars will likely be unavailable in 12 months time.
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#1. Jack Willis (current age 26)
Willis has reportedly agreed to stay with the French club, and has put pen to paper for an additional year with Toulouse. That means he will be, under current rules, not be available for the 2024 Six Nations.
According to reports from French rugby outlet Midi Olympique, Willis also has the clause in his contract to add an extra year on top of the agreed one season, later in the future. Willis moved to the South of France in November of last year, following the financial collapse of Wasps in the Gallagher Premiership.
The 26-year-old has been so far impressing in his home, and has nestled his way into the starting back row. After almost two years side-lined from the international scene with a serious re-occurring knee injury, Willis has made his comeback to the England squad, with Steve Borthwick also favouring Willis in the back row.
Marking his return with a Six Nations try against Italy, two years after he suffered the horrific injury in the very same fixture, Willis is back and better than ever. However, England are in the midst of re-affirming their eligibility laws, with Willis’ England future up for debate.
Many of England’s fringe players are opting to move to France, with the mass exodus at Exeter Chiefs seeing numerous stars depart due to salary cap restrictions. Sam Simmonds, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Harry Williams are all preparing for a summer move to Montpellier, and flying winger Jack Nowell was yesterday confirmed for a transfer to La Rochelle.
Possible replacement: Ted Hill
