As the debate over the British and Irish Lions' squad selection intensifies, England and Toulouse breakdown specialist Jack Willis continues to impress.
The versatile back rower's performances in the Top 14 and the European Champions Cup have captured the rugby world's attention and have made him a great contender for a spot on the plane to Australia this June.
After the financial collapse of Wasps in 2022, Willis moved his craft to France, and has been instrumental to their success over the last two seasons.
His robust tackling and skill at the ruck has consistently set a platform for Toulouse superstars Antoine Dupont and Romain N'Tamack to play free flowing rugby, which saw the French side triumph to Top 14 and Champions Cup titles, last season.
Absence from Six Nations
With Willis playing in France, it has meant that he has been unable to play for England due to strict selection rules that prohibit those playing abroad from representing England. However, Lions' coach Andy Farrell has failed to rule out the Englishman from his squad.
Whilst England's selection policies have limited Willis's international appearances, the Lions operate under different criteria. This provides a golden opportunity for Willis to showcase his talents on one of rugby's biggest stages.
With the scheduling of the Top 14 season, it would mean that should Toulouse reach the final both Willis and Scotland fullback Blair Kinghorn would miss the warm up game in Dublin against Argentina and the first fixture vs Australia in Perth.
Farrell is hopeful that the French clubs would allow for player to finish the season early to travel with the rest of the squad: “We could have a conversation with some clubs over there, they might release them. These things will be ongoing."
In Good Company
The Lions are spoiled for choice when it comes to back-row options. The likes of Tom Curry, Josh Van der Flier and Jac Morgan will all be vying for a starting spot. With Willis' unique skill set allowing him to play both blindside and openside flanker, Farrell sees him as a very versatile option.
Against a physically abrasive Wallabies pack, the Lions will need a back row that will not only dominate contact, but also slow down Australia's quick ball. With former England flanker James Haskell having previously described him as: "The most destructive breakdown player England has produced since Neil Back," it could prove the difference between winning and losing the series.
In 2017, Irishman Sean O'Brien played a similar role for the Lions in New Zealand. Combining ball-carrying and a threat at the breakdown, Willis could offer a similar all-action profile.
It has been a challenging journey for Willis, with a severe knee injury during the 2021 Six Nations sidelining him for a year. Willis only played a handful of games post- ACL surgery for Wasps before moving his craft over to France, where he has excelled.
With brother Tom Willis impressing for England this Six Nations, could we see both brothers on the plane to Australia?
