Toulouse star Jack Willis admits he has more to offer at Test level, but acknowledges he may never play for England again after extending his stay in France.
The 29-year-old back row, who won the most recent of his 14 England caps at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, joined Toulouse in November 2022 after Wasps folded. Initially allowed to play for England despite being based abroad, he became ineligible after signing a new contract with Toulouse instead of returning to an English club.
"There will always be part of me that will look back and think I had more in me from an international point of view," Willis told the For the Love of Rugby podcast. "I don't regret my decision to stay here at Toulouse. The way it came about, I didn't choose to leave England, but I chose to stay. I love it here."
Willis has become integral to a Toulouse side that has won three consecutive French titles and currently leads the Top 14 table. He was named the league's Player of the Year for 2024-25 and shortlisted for the Champions Cup equivalent.
Speculation suggests his contract until 2029 may include a break clause for the 2027-28 season, potentially allowing a short-term move to a Premiership club to regain England eligibility ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Alternatively, Willis qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather and could switch allegiance in late 2026 after three years out of international rugby. However, Ireland's policy of selecting only players based in their provinces makes such a switch unlikely.
"If it involves moving it would put me in the same sort of situation as it would for England," Willis said. "Sometimes you have to accept your reality."
Willis remains focused on Toulouse, but admits the what-if of his England career lingers.