Jack Willis has bulldozed his way to the top of French rugby, clinching the Top 14 player of the year award and toppling former winners like Antoine Dupont. It was an accolade celebrated at a glitzy ceremony in L’Olympia theatre, Paris, marking another high in Willis' relentless rise since his mid-season switch to Toulouse in 2023, following the financial implosion of Wasps.
Arriving in France under less than ideal circumstances, Willis didn’t just find his feet; he stomped them down. His debut season concluded with Toulouse lifting the Top 14 trophy after defeating La Rochelle, all while Willis juggled commitments with England’s national team. Post-Rugby World Cup, the flanker decided to dedicate his future to his club, a move that paid dividends with a Top 14 and Champions Cup double in 2024, and another league title in June.
“I have been lucky to win, but a lot of people in the team could have won it,” Willis modestly stated at the award ceremony. In a display of camaraderie, he revealed, “I voted for Thomas (Ramos), but Thomas voted for (Matthieu) Jalibert.”
“It wasn’t easy when I arrived, Wasps had no money, it went quick. I was given an opportunity to play for six months first up; I’m very grateful to Toulouse for the incredible opportunity. Now three years later, it hasn’t turned out too bad.”
Willis’ dynamic performances, characterized by his rugged playing style and indefatigable spirit, have not only resurrected his club career but have also made him a media darling. His impact was aptly summarized by one outlet: “Rough, tireless, celebrating each tackle like a try, Willis embodies this contagious energy that electrifies Toulouse.”
The night was not just about Willis, however. The ceremony also spotlighted other talents like Louis Bielle-Biarrey, the France Test player of the year, known not only for his try-scoring prowess but his all-around game. “My game is not just about scoring tries. There are other things that make a good winger. I pay attention to it, but it’s not my main concern,” Bielle-Biarrey shared.
Other honorees included Toulon’s Gael Drean as the breakthrough player of the season and Montauban’s Jerome Bosviel, who was named the Pro D2 player of the year, leading his team to promotion. The accolades were rounded out by Teani Feleu, honored as France’s women’s player of the season.
In a sport often dominated by fleeting moments of glory, Willis’ saga from a Premiership collapse to Top 14 supremacy is a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of greatness in the gritty world of professional rugby.