Willis to join Bordeaux, making him ineligible for England selection

Saracens announced on Saturday that England number eight Tom Willis will leave the club at the end of the season to join Bordeaux, a move that will render him ineligible for England selection under Rugby Football Union rules and cost head coach Steve Borthwick a regular backrow option ahead of the autumn internationals. Willis, 26, signed a contract with the Top 14 side after turning down a new deal at Saracens, the club said.

Willis has made 43 appearances for Saracens since joining in 2023 and earned eight England caps during that period. His energetic performances last season earned him a place in the Premiership Dream Team, and he was among a group of players the RFU recognised with an enhanced contract. Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall acknowledged the loss in a club statement, saying, "Whilst we are disappointed that Tom will not be extending his time at the club, we fully respect his decision to pursue a new challenge in France." Willis said he had "absolutely loved" his time at Saracens and described the decision as one of the hardest of his life.

Under current RFU regulations, England can only select players based with Premiership clubs, which has immediate...