Tom Willis to leave Saracens at end of Gallagher PREM season, set to pursue 'opportunity in France'
Updated 18/10/2025 at 21:24 GMT+1
Saracens No. 8 Tom Willis has decided to leave the club and reportedly join Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles, turning his back on the chance to play for England at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The 26-year-old has emerged as Steve Borthwick's leading No. 8, a position that England have little depth in, and his departure is a huge blow to England's long-term plans and preparation for 2027.
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England and Saracens No. 8 Tom Willis will leave the club next season.
The 26-year-old is reportedly joining Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles, according to The Telegraph, which would result in him passing up the chance to play for England at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
It is a big blow for England coach Steve Borthwick after Willis impressed for his country on the tour of Argentina in the summer, and featured in all five Six Nations games earlier this year.
England's options at No. 8 have dwindled and Willis, who has earned eight caps, was seen as the central figure in that position after several outstanding performances at both domestic and international level.
It is likely that Willis will now no longer be included in plans for the Quilter Nations Series, even though he is still eligible. Borthwick will announce his first training squad on Sunday.
In a statement, Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall confirmed Willis' departure, and said: "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.
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"He has made a great impact on the field and been a popular team-mate off it.
"I know he is determined to give everything to the group over the coming months. Everyone at Saracens thank Tom for all his efforts in a Saracens jersey."
After Wasps went into administration in late 2022, Willis left England and signed for Bordeaux before leaving France for Saracens ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The departure of club stalwart Billy Vunipola allowed Willis to cement himself as the first choice No. 8 at Saracens.
His brother and fellow England international Jack also left for France in 2022, joining Toulouse.
Whilst his brother opted to stay at Toulouse, Willis still harboured international aspirations and returned to England, making his debut against Wales in August 2023.
Willis said it was "one of the hardest decisions of his life".
"I've absolutely loved my time at Saracens and have made some friends for life," he said.
"This was one of the hardest decisions of my life but it’s one that feels right for me.
"I will continue to give everything for this club for the remainder of the season and I’m very excited about what this squad can achieve."
Willis was also one of 25 players to be given an enhanced contract by the RFU this summer.
England's Elite Player Squad contracts are designed to offer long-term financial security to players and help with club retention, as Top 14 clubs can offer far more lucrative deals and contracts compared to English sides.
Whilst Willis is still eligible for the autumn matches and the Six Nations, Borthwick may look beyond a player who will not be available for Australia two years down the road, leaving him with plenty to think about.
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