The rugby world has been left stunned by reports that England flanker Jack Willis could be on the verge of a sensational switch to Ireland.
What first appeared to be a far-fetched rumour is now beginning to gather serious momentum, with fresh claims suggesting conversations have already taken place behind the scenes.
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The 29-year-old has been one of the standout back-rowers in Europe over the past few seasons, starring for Toulouse, but has been consistently overlooked by England head coach Steve Borthwick due to playing outside the Premiership.
However, a major twist has now emerged.
It is understood that Willis will become eligible to switch his international allegiance to Ireland later this year, having not represented England in almost three years.
Willis previously revealed back in 2023 that he qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents, although he insisted at the time that both he and his brother Tom had always supported England.
But with his Toulouse contract expiring this summer, former Scotland international Jim Hamilton has claimed that discussions have taken place behind the scenes.
Speaking on The Rugby Pod last week, Hamilton suggested that Munster and the IRFU had approached Willis – and he has now followed up on those comments in an interview with SportsJOE for Boylesports.
“I felt a little bit embarrassed when I saw some of the mainstream media had picked it up,” Hamilton said.
“I said to my team, I was like ‘lads, is this legit?’”
Hamilton explained that he had heard through multiple sources that conversations were happening between IRFU High Performance Director David Humphreys and Willis’ representatives.
“I heard through a few different lines that there were conversations happening between Humphreys and Willis’ people,” he said.
“And I had to go back and fact-check that, which was correct.”
“So I know there are a few discussions that have kind of happened in the background.”
Hamilton believes Willis would be a huge addition for Ireland, despite their strength in the back row.
“Of course, if there’s any Irish in a player like Jack Willis… you’re talking about a lad that’s operating at the highest level, in one of the best club teams in the world.
“Yeah, I mean, there was definitely something in it.”
POLL:
OTHER ENGLISH PLAYERS SWAPPING NATIONS:
Mako Vunipola
Mako is long established as an England prop, but with Tongan heritage via his parents and no England appearances since the 2023 World Cup, he could be eligible to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility rules (three‑year stand‑down + heritage) should he choose to pursue that route.
Dan Kelly
A talented centre currently playing in Ireland, Kelly has one senior England cap but has since appeared for Ireland A, aligning him with Ireland under current eligibility pathways.
England’s restrictions on overseas‑based players limited his opportunities with the Red Rose, but a full switch to Ireland gives him the chance for consistent Test rugby and a starting role at the 2027 World Cup.
Billy Vunipola
Billy also qualifies for Tonga through family heritage. Despite a long England career, he hasn’t featured since playing in 2024 under the overseas‑based restrictions. Tonga has shown interest in bringing the powerful number 8 into their squad for 2027, and given the eligibility framework, he could make such a switch.
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