Saracens tie down England brothers Billy and Mako Vunipola to new contracts

12/29/2021

Mako and Billy Vunipola have signed new contracts with Saracens which keep the door open to a potential return to the England fold.

Both were dropped by England head coach Eddie Jones for the autumn internationals, and were subsequently linked with moves abroad.

But joining a club in France would have left them ineligible to be selected for the national team.

They have kept that possibility open by agreeing new deals with Saracens, the club has announced.

"I’m very happy to extend my stay with the boys! I want to leave the club and shirt in a better place than when I joined it, I’m so proud to represent Saracens Rugby Club," Billy told the club's official website.

"I have loved my time at the club and could not be happier to have signed," Mako added.

Both have been long-serving members of the Sarries side, having made more than 300 appearances for the club between them.

Those years have been laden with trophies, with Mako winning eight during his time with the side compared to the seven Billy has played a part in – he joined two years after his older brother.

Both have also played a crucial part for their country, with Billy's 61 England caps falling just shy of the 67 Mako has earned during his career.

The latter has also played in nine Tests across three British and Irish Lions tours to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The Vunipolas were, however, victims of Jones' decision to bring in some fresh blood during the autumn internationals as he prepares his plans for the Six Nations.

Jones will name his squad for the tournament in January, and both brothers will be hoping for a recall to the international fold when he does.

At club level, Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall hailed the duo who are "crucial" to the team and its ambitions.

"Everyone involved with Saracens will be thrilled that Mako and Billy have chosen to extend their time at the club," he said as the news of the new contracts was announced.

"In their own unique ways, they have been instrumental in how we have grown and progressed and have been key figures in the success the club has enjoyed.

"We are grateful to Mako and Billy for the loyalty they have shown to the club."

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