AArriving at Stade Toulousain two years ago after the liquidation of Wasps, English third row Jack Willis has become a must for the French champions. To the point of becoming one of the captains this fall
Toulouse occupies first place in the Top 14 without giving the feeling of straining its talent. Will the Champions Cup force you to raise your level?
Our start to the season was not that easy. We lost at home against Bordeaux, we were beaten twice on the road [Bayonne et Castres, NDLR]. But we worked hard. We know that after the season we had in 2024, we have a target on our backs. The goal is to get back to this level and to do it quickly because this competition brings together the best teams.
Is Stade Toulousain still hungry after its double?
Yes, absolutely. And that's what I love about this team. She always wants to win, matches, trophies. This hunger for victories never stops. We want to make history. Last spring, we created incredible memories. I only want to relive that. I know how good it is on the pitch. I also remember how great the festivities afterwards were.
If you're not at Stade Toulousain to win, you won't last long.
How does this club maintain this appetite for victory?
There is an incredible culture at Stade Toulousain and I believe it comes from the very top. From the president, the coaches and staff, the players. We are immersed in this desire to win. And if you're not at Stade Toulousain to win, you won't last long.
Toulouse has the best track record in French rugby, but do you have the feeling of playing with a special generation?
I believe there are some of the most talented players in the history of rugby here. Not only the history of French rugby but of world rugby. There is of course our number 9, Antoine (Dupont). He's an incredible player and it's great to play alongside him. But there are others. Until I arrived in Toulouse and worked with them on a daily basis, I didn't realize how talented these guys were. Emmanuel Meafou, Thomas Ramos, Peato Mauvaka, Julien Marchand, François Cros, Anthony Jelonch, Thibaud Flament. I could name them all.
Is the competition fierce in training, especially for you with the young Mathis Castro-Ferreira and Léo Banos?
Yes. And that's also what I like about this club. We develop the potential of young talents who understand the Toulouse style of play. They challenge you during training. There is a good cocktail between youth and experience and it is stimulating.
Has your game evolved a lot since you arrived?
I had to improve my technical qualities, in attack in particular. The way we attack here is very different from what I knew in England. What we did was simple and structured whereas here, even if there is structure in our game, you have to seize opportunities when you see them. It forced me to progress in my vision of the game but also in my technical background.
Ugo Mola named you captain during the November tests. Did you expect it?
Honestly no. I loved the experience. It’s quite a challenge for my French. It's a huge honor to have the role of captain at a club like this and with this group of players. It's quite a responsibility too. I tried to set an example through my game by focusing on what I had to do without worrying about the rest. With the desire to enjoy these nice moments.
Do you speak “Toulouse”?
(Laughs) I try.
Playing for the Lions has always been a dream of mine.
We saw you laughing with Ugo Mola on the sidelines at Racing 92. You looked like a happy player!
I am. I feel good here with my whole family. I'm happy with the way I'm playing. I push myself to be even better. That's my goal. Because if you forget it, you won't stay on this team very long. But what I learned is that a career doesn't last very long and you have to enjoy every day.
When you left Wasps after the club was liquidated, you said it was going to be difficult to play apart from your brother Tom and your lifelong friends. Have you found new brothers in arms?
Yes. I will always have that twinge but I realized how welcome I was here. I made great friends.
Was it difficult to give up playing for the England team by choosing to stay in Toulouse?
This remains a difficult decision. I always dreamed of playing for England. But there are other factors. And with Toulouse I knew that I was in a very good club which forces me to play my best rugby. And to do it week after week. The rules in England are what they are. It's sad but I don't regret my decision.
At the end of the season, there is the British Lions tour to Australia. Nothing prevents you from being selected.
Playing for the Lions has always been a dream of mine. But I don't focus on it. If that happens it will be fantastic but first I have to concentrate on the job I have to do in Toulouse.
The Lions' first match will take place on June 28, the day of the Top 14 final. Have you spoken about it with Ugo Mola?
Non.
