Jack Willis will NOT represent England at the World Cup after signing a new deal with Toulouse

England flanker Jack Willis has signed a new three-year contract with French giant Toulouse, meaning he will be unavailable for his country after this year’s World Cup.

Willis, 26, was a key player for Steve Borthwick’s national side in the 2023 Six Nations. He had joined Toulouse earlier this season following the death of Wasps.

Players playing for clubs outside England are not eligible to wear the white shirt at international level under the RFU’s controversial selection policy.

Due to the collapse of Wasps and the lack of options at other Premiership clubs, Willis was given a special dispensation from the RFU to play in the Six Nations.

But Sportsmail understands that dispensation is off. It means Willis will now almost certainly not be playing for England in his next years at Toulouse.

It’s the final blow to head coach Borthwick, who has already seen an exodus of some of his best talent to France, where wages offered to players far exceed those in England.

Luke Cowan-Dickie, Sam Simmonds, Jack Nowell, Joe Marchant and David Ribbans have also all turned their backs on Premiership and future Test caps to play in the TOP14 next season.

It has put English rugby in a state of crisis with the country’s best players looking abroad and willing to end their Test careers to do so.

The RFU is now under increasing pressure to change its foreign ruling, but the 11 Premiership clubs and governing body are against it.

In the Six Nations, Borthwick admitted his preference was to be able to select the best players available for England, regardless of where their clubs are based.

For Willis, a new deal with Toulouse until 2026 was one he couldn’t turn down, as it gives him financial and contractual security after a season where he lost his job at Wasps.

It should also be remembered that Willis suffered a terrible knee injury in action for England against Italy in 2020 which ruled him out for a year.

It reminded him that rugby is a short career.

Last month, Willis hinted he would be extending his stay at Toulouse and hoped a change in the RFU ruling would mean he could still play for England.

However, that seems unlikely at this stage.

“I think Steve coming out and supporting that shows that there are a lot of people working behind the scenes to find the right solution for the advancement of English rugby,” Willis told the Evening Standard Rugby Podcast.

“There are a lot of possibilities to explore, but the positive thing for me is that it looks like hopefully that’s on the table and at least being discussed. We will see.’

Toulouse confirmed Willis’ contract extension with a video of the player speaking French. It is clear that Willis and his young family have already embraced rural life.

“I enjoyed my six months with Toulouse,” said Willis. “I am very happy to be able to extend my contract here.

Thank you for your support since my arrival in Toulouse. I love being part of this group that is ambitious and hardworking.

Thanks also to the supporters. You are exceptional.’ In Toulouse, Willis plays alongside French superstars Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, Thomas Ramos and many others.

Toulouse is still on course for a French and European double this season. They are six points ahead of the top of the TOP14 and will face Leinster in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup.