Owen Farrell
Owen Farrell has made a point of stressing that he has not retired from international rugby.
The former England captain has repeatedly said the door remains open should he wish to return. But the reality is that a comeback now feels increasingly distant — even as England struggled for consistency during the 2026 Six Nations.
Steve Borthwick has spoken about the importance of continuity ahead of the next World Cup cycle, and England’s selections suggest a leadership group being built around newer figures.
With younger options now trusted at both fly-half and inside centre, Farrell’s path back into the side looks narrower with every passing window.
Never say never in Test rugby.
But unless something changes dramatically, it feels increasingly likely that England have already moved on.
Tom Willis
The situation surrounding Tom Willis is far more straightforward.
After deciding to move abroad, Willis effectively removed himself from the England equation under RFU selection policy. Steve Borthwick later made it clear the coaching staff would prioritise players who are part of the pathway towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup — and confirmed Willis does not fall into that group.
That’s about as direct as it gets.
Regardless of form, availability remains king in Test rugby. Once a player steps outside the selection framework, reversals are rare — particularly when a new cycle is already underway.
Willis may still be performing at club level.
But from England’s perspective, the focus has already moved elsewhere.
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