Jim Hamilton confirms that England’s Jack Willis has had talks with Munster

This would be huge.

The 29-year-old is one of the premier opensides in world rugby, and qualifies for Ireland through his Northern Irish grandfather.

Having last played for England at the 2023 World Cup, Willis be able to tog out for Ireland in October of this year.

Jim Hamilton - co-host of The Rugby Pod - added to the intrigue by revealing that he heard rumours about a potential move to Munster.

When speaking with SportsJOE - in association with BoyleSports - we quizzed Hamilton over his comments, and the former Scotland lock provided further proof of the revelation.

He said: "I felt a little bit embarrassed when I saw some of the mainstream media had picked it up, and I said to my team, I was like 'lads, is this legit?'

"I heard through a few different lines that there were conversations happening between Humphreys [IRFU High Performance Director David Humpherys] and Willis's people, and I had to go back and fact check that, which was correct.

"So I know there's a few discussions that have kind of happened in the background.

"Of course, if there's any Irish in a player like Jack Willis, as much as England have got, sorry, as much as Ireland have got quality across the back row and great players coming through, you're talking about a lad that's operating at the highest level, in one of the best club teams in the world.

"Yeah, I mean there was definitely something in it.

"I do feel a little bit embarrassed that it kind of gathered momentum like it did. You know, maybe that's the power of the podcast that we do.

"I spoke to his people and people very close to the Irish Union and there was definitely conversations, whether or not people want to admit that or not...

"If it wasn't the case I'd apologise and say 'no, that's made up', but there was definitely something in it."

While this would be an incredible coup for Ireland, it is still unlikely to happen, due to the fact that Willis is contracted to Toulouse until 2028 and has a break clause allowing him to join an English club for the 2027-2028 season, which would mean he could represent his country at the 2027 World Cup.

Jim Hamilton teamed up with BOYLE Sports to preview the Six Nations. When your Rugby Union team goes 17 points ahead, BOYLE Sports pays out!