mens
top-14
Tom Willis was appointed Top 14 Player of the Month for October after helping Bordeaux-Bègles win all four of their league matches and climb to second in the table.
With older brother Jack still sidelined in Toulouse, Willis took the family spotlight in France, with his October award following a string of performances that quickly established him as one of the 14 most influential back-rowers.
The 27-year-old started and scored in the win Lyon at the start of the month before producing another big game against Clermont-Auvergne, making 18 tackles and four turnovers in a 23-22 win at the Stade Marcel-Michelin.
He was named in both Olympic Midday and The Team’s Teams of the Week followed that performance and came close to adding another try when Bordeaux he drove from the maul, only for Maxim Luca to take possession before touching down.
Willis was then named on the bench against La Rochelle but was called into action after just 20 minutes, before returning to the starting XV for Bordeaux’s last-gasp win over Bayonne.
Those four wins lifted the reigning European champions to second in the Top 14, just one point behind Toulouse, and bolstered Willis’ growing reputation in France.
The eight-cap international joined Bordeaux after leaving Saracens and quickly became a key figure in Yannick Bru’s pack, combining defensive work with impact at the breakdown and carrying power.
His form has also ensured the Willis name remains prominent in the Top 14, while older brother Jack continues his recovery from a thigh injury with Toulouse.
For England supporters, however, this can be a difficult read. Having seen Jack crowned top 14 player of the year for two consecutive seasons, Tom’s performances are likely to now come with the same frustration across the Channel.
A compelling case could be made that both brothers would be in Steve Borthwick’s starting backline if he were allowed to pick them.