Following the administration of his previous club, Wasps, Willis first signed a short-term contract with Toulouse. In April 2023, he signed a three-year contract.
When Toulouse prepares to play Harlequins in the Champions Cup semi-finals on Sunday, the 27-year-old, who won the Top 14 title the previous season, says he feels “freer” in his mind. A domestic and European double is still possible.
“From a rugby point of view, I have learned to give it everything I can during the week but also take a bit of pressure off myself,” Willis said.
“You have a lot on your mind, and you need to properly arrange things or they will wear you out and slow you down.
“I have been doing some great work with the psychologist and it frees me up going into games.”
Five-time victors Toulouse, the most successful team in Champions Cup history, defeated a determined Exeter team in the quarterfinals to secure their spot in the last four.
Willis has fourteen caps for England, but due to a Rugby Football Union (RFU) regulation that states players may only be chosen for the national squad if they play in the Premiership, he is not eligible to be selected for Test matches.
But the flanker is enjoying playing with big names like Blair Kinghorn of Scotland and Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack of France.
“When I first came, I only signed for a few months, but I decided to extend with good reason,” he continued.
“It’s a fantastic location with amazing players, coaches, and club community members.
It truly puts you to the test as a player since it’s so competitive. I adore that you have to be the greatest of the best while everyone else is fit to be chosen.”
Willis adds that he is also aware of the club’s European heritage.
“When it comes to Europe, it is incredibly special,” Willis stated. “They are incredibly driven to build on the wonderful tradition we have in the competition.
We all want to win, so the president drives the coaching staff, and the coaching team pushes us. This group holds the belief, but we are aware of the effort involved.”
