Dallaglio hits out at England policy that blocks Willis pick

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Former England rugby star Lawrence Dallaglio has criticized the RFU’s rule that excludes players like Jack Willis from England selection if they play for clubs outside the country, despite Willis’ outstanding performances in France. Dallaglio warns this policy weakens the national team ahead of major tournaments and could push players like Willis to switch allegiance to nations such as Ireland, where eligibility rules are more flexible.

Former England rugby star Lawrence Dallaglio has criticized the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) policy that prevents players like flanker Jack Willis from representing England while playing for clubs outside of the country. Willis, who currently plays for Toulouse in France’s Top 14 league, has twice been named the league’s Player of the Year but remains ineligible for national selection under England’s rules.

Willis moved to Toulouse after his previous club, Wasps, went into administration in 2022. He was granted a special exemption to participate in the 2023 Rugby World Cup while playing abroad, but following the signing of a new contract with Toulouse, he was ruled out by England head coach Steve Borthwick due to the RFU’s policy barring players based outside England from national duty. The same policy affects Willis’ brother Tom, who now plays for Bordeaux-Bègles.

Dallaglio, who won the World Cup with England, described the policy as shortsighted and argued it “cuts off its nose to spite its face.” He suggested the ban could be challenged legally as a restraint of trade and called for England to allow players to compete for clubs overseas as other top rugby nations do, notably South Africa, which permits its players to be selected regardless of club location.

“If I were a player now, I would have already contested the law because I think it’s a restraint of trade,” Dallaglio said. “The England team would be a much better team in the lead-up to the World Cup with Jack and Tom Willis in it. It’s becoming more and more absurd.”

Beyond England, Willis may be eligible to represent Ireland internationally in the future due to his grandfather’s heritage. Under World Rugby regulations, players can switch national teams after a three-year absence from international play. Reports indicate that Ireland could offer Willis a one-year contract to play provincial rugby, opening a pathway for him to compete for Ireland at the next World Cup.

Dallaglio, who himself was eligible to play for three countries but ultimately chose England, expressed understanding if Willis were to switch allegiance. “He has a desire to play international rugby,” Dallaglio noted. “If England don’t want him, and clearly they don’t, and they’re not about to change their laws, then Ireland may. And that would be sad.”

The ongoing debate underscores tensions within international rugby over player eligibility and union policies amid increasing cross-border player movement in professional club rugby. The RFU’s stance continues to spark discussions around whether restrictions hinder England’s ability to field their strongest side in major competitions.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.