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2h ago

Jack Willis Named Top 14 Player of the Season After Powering Toulouse to Title

The accolade caps a decisive campaign for the flanker, with his international prospects constrained by England’s overseas selection policy.

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Jack Willis (C) celebrates scoring a try during June's Top 14 final
Jack Willis celebrates at the final whistle of June's French Top 14 final

Overview

  • Willis won the 2024/25 Top 14 player award at the LNR’s Nuit du Rugby in Paris, edging Toulouse teammate Thomas Ramos and Bayonne’s Sireli Maqala.
  • His season included stepping in as captain during Antoine Dupont’s injury layoff, 10 tries overall, and two tries in the June final as Toulouse clinched a record 24th title.
  • The recognition ends Dupont’s recent hold on the prize, making Willis the first English winner since Zach Mercer in 2022.
  • Because he plays in France, Willis remains unavailable for England under current selection practice, though he said he tries not to dwell on missing Test rugby.
  • Willis joined Toulouse after Wasps entered administration in 2022 and has since won two Top 14 titles and the 2024 Champions Cup; reports indicate he is contracted through 2029 with a possible 2027 return option.