Saracens' Willis wins Prem player of the season
Saracens number eight Tom Willis has been crowned Gallagher Prem player of the season for 2025-26 ahead of his move to Bordeaux.
Saracens number eight Tom Willis has been crowned Gallagher Prem player of the season for 2025-26 ahead of his move to Bordeaux. This report comes fr
Read Full Story at Sky Sports →Why This Matters
The award underscores Willis' rise as a generational talent in English rugby, proving that domestic dominance can translate into global recognition even as players eye lucrative moves abroad. It also signals a shift in how English clubs are valued, with performances in the Premiership now carrying greater weight in international transfer conversations.
Background Context
Willis’ breakthrough came during a transitional period for Saracens, where financial constraints and squad rebuilding forced homegrown talent to step into leadership roles. His move to Bordeaux, a club with ambitions to challenge the European elite, reflects a growing trend of Premiership stars seeking top-tier competition in France rather than chasing the Premiership’s financial incentives.
What Happens Next
With Willis’ departure, Saracens must quickly identify his successor to avoid a drop in performance, while Bordeaux will monitor his adaptation to Top 14 demands. The Premiership’s response to such high-profile exits could influence future contract negotiations and league policies on player retention.
Bigger Picture
This award highlights the Premiership’s evolving role as a proving ground for elite talent, increasingly competing with France’s Top 14 for influence in the global rugby market. It also reflects a broader pattern where individual accolades are now tied to broader economic and competitive shifts in the sport’s hierarchy.
