England leave Willis out of training squad ahead of internationals

Tom Willis has been left out of England's training squad ahead of the November internationals after the No 8 agreed to join Bordeaux-Begles at the end of the season.

England boss Steve Borthwick named his squad for a three-day training camp on Sunday, with Willis and former captain Owen Farrell the most high-profile omissions.

Willis was dropped following his decision to leave Saracens at the end of the season and sign a contract with French Top 14 side Bordeaux that will make him ineligible for international selection.

He also spent the 2022/23 season at Bordeaux after his former club Wasps went into administration and had to pull out of the league.

His older brother, Jack Willis, who is also a back-rower, left Wasps at the same time and has played for Toulouse ever since.

He won the French title with Toulouse last season and was named the Top 14 player of the season.

Gearing up ⚙️🌹

Steve Borthwick has named his 36-player squad for a three-day training camp ahead of the upcoming @QuilterNations.@O2 | #WearTheRose

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 19, 2025

There is also no place in the England squad for Farrell, despite Borthwick having injury issues at inside centre.

The 34-year-old, who has 112 England caps, has featured at inside centre for Saracens this season and played in midfield for the British and Irish Lions in the summer.

Noah Caluori, the 19-year-old who scored five tries for Saracens in Saturday's thumping win over Sale, has been included in the squad as an additional player as part of a development agreement with the English Prem club.

The squad assembled on Sunday for the training camp at England's performance centre at Pennyhill Park.

England host Australia at Twickenham on November 1 before matches against Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.