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The latest twist in the rapidly heating up Tom Willis transfer scrap
By Neil Fissler
Tom Willis is becoming one of the most highly sought-after players who are out of contract at the end of the season and looks set to have a plethora of clubs from which to choose.
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Former PREM Rugby and European Champions Cup winners Saracens, who also have Ben Earl and Elliot Daly coming to the end of their deals, are facing a battle to keep hold of the England No. 8, with clubs queuing up to speak to him.
Willis, who holds an enhanced EPS contract, was attracting interest from Bordeaux, where he had a stint three years ago following Wasps’ liquidation, making 19 appearances and helping them reach a Top 14 semi-final.
He is now having second thoughts about a move across the Channel to join his older brother Jack in the Top 14 because of the EPS contract, which is worth around £150,000 to £160,000 per season.
Willis, 26, who has won eight England caps, as expected, has plenty of interest from the Premiership and could yet extend his career in North London, snubbing all potential interest in him.
Steve Diamond was believed to be keen before he was sacked by the Newcastle Red Bulls, who are expected to launch a massive recruitment drive following their takeover from the Austrian energy drink giants.
The Daily Telegraph reported earlier this week that sources close to Red Bulls rugby consultant Gregor Townsend had denied that a move for Willis had been made, but that they will look at all England players coming out of contract.
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Bath, who are yet to start their recruitment drive, are, according to chatter in the last week or so, also interested in adding him to their squad, which is already bursting at the seams with world-class talent.
An offer could also come from Gloucester, who have made a big back row their number one priority for next season and who are also interested in Harlequins and England star Chandler Cunningham-South.