{
  "id": 10664471,
  "title": "Top 14 award winner Willis reiterates desire to play Test rugby",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/top-14-award-winner-willis-reiterates-desire-to-play-test-rugby",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-29T10:12:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/top-14-award-winner-willis-101228360.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Willis, the French top award winner, reiterated his desire to play Test rugby despite England's restrictions. Jack Willis, who last appeared for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, moved to Toulouse in November 2022 after his previous club, Wasps, disbanded. Initially granted dispensation to play for England due to exceptional circumstances, Willis has not been eligible for the national team since, as England policy only allows domestic-based players. The French back rower, who has won 14 caps for England, was named the Top14's best player for the 2025-26 season, edging out Matthieu Jalibert from Bordeaux-Begles and Harry Plummer from Clermont-Auvergne. Despite his success in France, Willis's decision to remain with Toulouse means he is no longer in contention for an England selection. Under World Rugby's birthright rule, Willis could potentially represent Ireland, as his grandfather was born in Belfast. However, it is highly unlikely that Willis would be allowed to play for Ireland while staying with Toulouse, as Ireland's preference for home-based players has remained consistent.",
  "summary": "Jack Willis, who last played for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, retains his award as the best player in France.",
  "key_points": [
    "Willis seeks to play Test rugby despite England restrictions.",
    "Won 14 caps for England, named Top14's best player 2025-26.",
    "Birthright rule allows potential Ireland representation, unlikely."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Top 14 award winner Willis reiterates desire to play Test rugby",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/top-14-award-winner-willis-reiterates-desire-to-play-test-rugby-10671671",
        "published": "2026-09-29T10:12:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}