Biography
Jack Steven Arthur Willis was born on 24 December 1996 in Reading, England. A powerful flanker, Willis has built a reputation as one of the game’s most dynamic forwards, combining relentless tackling, exceptional work at the breakdown, and an eye for the try line.
His rugby journey began at Reading Abbey R.F.C. before he joined the Wasps Senior Academy in 2015. He made his senior debut for Wasps during the 2016 Anglo-Welsh Cup and quickly established himself as one of the club’s brightest young talents.
The 2019–20 season proved to be a breakthrough. Willis played a starring role as Wasps reached the Premiership Final, earning widespread recognition with the Players’ Player of the Year, Premiership Player of the Season, and Discovery of the Season awards.
Following Wasps’ collapse into administration in October 2022, Willis moved to French giants Toulouse, where he continued to flourish. His impact has been immediate, helping the club collect multiple domestic and European honours while producing a string of outstanding individual performances, including several Man of the Match displays in the Champions Cup.
On the international stage, Willis first represented England Under-20s before making his senior England debut in November 2020, marking the occasion with a try against Georgia. Since then, he has continued to be a valuable member of the national squad, despite injury setbacks.
List of Teams Played For
- Reading Abbey R.F.C. – Junior rugby (years not specified)
- Wasps Senior Academy – 2015–2016
- Wasps – 2016–2022
- Toulouse – 2022–Present
- England Under-20 – 2016
- England – 2020–Present
Rugby World Cups Played
- 2016 World Rugby Under 20 Championship – Winner with England Under-20, defeating Ireland in the final.
- 2023 Rugby World Cup – Represented England, scoring a try against Chile before a neck injury ended his tournament.
Key Career Moments
Jack Willis has enjoyed plenty of memorable moments throughout his career.
His senior breakthrough came in November 2016, making his first starts for Wasps in both the Anglo-Welsh Cup and the Premiership.
The 2019–20 Premiership season established him as one of England’s elite back-row players, earning three major individual awards after helping Wasps reach the league final.
In November 2020, he enjoyed a dream England debut, scoring a try against Georgia in a 40–0 victory during the Autumn Nations Cup.
After Wasps entered administration in October 2022, Willis made the move to Toulouse, one of Europe’s biggest clubs, beginning a hugely successful new chapter.
His performances in the 2024–25 Champions Cup were outstanding. He claimed Man of the Match against Ulster, scored in victories over Sale Sharks and Toulon, and was nominated for the 2025 Champions Cup Player of the Year award.
In June 2025, Willis helped Toulouse secure another Top 14 title, scoring two tries in the final as they defeated Bordeaux Bègles 39–33 after extra time.
His honours with Toulouse include:
- Top 14 Champion: 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25, 2025–26
- European Rugby Champions Cup: 2023–24