Billy Vunipola confirms international future as former England No. 8 becomes eligible for Australia or Tonga
Rugby NewsMonday, 11 May 2026 at 10:22
Billy Vunipola has addressed speculation surrounding his international future after becoming eligible to represent both Tonga and Australia following the end of his England stand-down period.
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The former England No.8, currently starring for Montpellier Hérault Rugby in the Top 14, spoke candidly to The Observer about his career resurgence in France, the painful ending to his England career and conversations over a possible international return.
Vunipola, who was born in Australia to Tongan parents before later moving to the UK, is now eligible to switch nations under World Rugby’s eligibility laws after winning the last of his 75 England caps in 2023.
Reports last year linked him with a move to Tonga national rugby union team, while his Australian birthplace also leaves the door open to the Australia national rugby union team.
The 33-year-old even confirmed he held talks with Tonga head coach Tevita Tuʻifua about a possible switch.
Away from the international speculation, Vunipola is enjoying some of the best rugby of his career in France. Montpellier are pushing for the Top 14 playoffs and have also reached the EPCR Challenge Cup Final.
“I was probably at the same stage personally as they were as a club. Down, but not out,” Vunipola said of his move from Saracens.
The back-row forward also admitted he feels more appreciated in France than during his time in North London.
“When I was at Saracens, my role was more in the shadows,” he explained.
“My role was to get us going forward, stop the other team from going forward and keep the vibes high.”
Vunipola also reflected emotionally on England’s 2023 World Cup semi-final defeat to South Africa.
“Whether I like it or not, I was the one who dropped the ball against South Africa, and that sits with you,” he admitted.
“People think ‘yeah, he doesn’t care’. But deep down it was eating away at me.”
Despite speculation over a Test return elsewhere, Vunipola ultimately revealed he has decided against switching allegiance.
“I’m Tongan and English,” he said.
“And I’m proud to say that I represented England.”
He also admitted he did not want to deny younger Tongan players opportunities on the international stage.
“To think about going back and potentially blocking a young Tongan kid who wants to give his family the same opportunity that I’ve had, I think would be pretty greedy.”
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Rugby World Cup 2027 Full Draw: England and Wales meet again
England’s recent emphatic win over Wales adds extra spice to their upcoming meeting at the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup, where the old rivals have been drawn together once again in the pool stage.
Pool A — New Zealand, Australia (H), Chile, Hong Kong China
Group summary
Pool A features tournament hosts Australia and three-time champions New Zealand, making it one of the headline groups of the opening phase. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting historic results, while the trans-Tasman clash between Australia and New Zealand is expected to be one of the most watched pool matches of the tournament.
Fixtures
Pool B — South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Group summary
Defending champions South Africa headline Pool B and begin their campaign against Italy. Georgia continue to establish themselves as a consistent World Cup presence, while Romania return aiming to challenge for third place and possible qualification via rankings.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — South Africa vs Italy
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 3 October 2027 — Georgia vs Romania
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville - 10 October 2027 — South Africa vs Georgia
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 11 October 2027 — Italy vs Romania
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney - 17 October 2027 — Italy vs Georgia
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 17 October 2027 — South Africa vs Romania
Perth Stadium, Perth
Pool C — Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada
Group summary
Pool C blends South American consistency with Pacific flair. Argentina enter as favourites, while Fiji’s attacking threat makes them dangerous opponents for any side. Spain return to the World Cup looking to make an impact, and Canada continue their rebuilding process.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — Argentina vs Canada
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 4 October 2027 — Fiji vs Spain
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 10 October 2027 — Fiji vs Canada
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 10 October 2027 — Argentina vs Spain
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 16 October 2027 — Argentina vs Fiji
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 17 October 2027 — Spain vs Canada
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
Pool D — Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal
Group summary
Ireland and Scotland lead Pool D in what shapes as a tightly contested group. Uruguay and Portugal bring speed and tactical variety, with qualification likely to be decided by fine margins, discipline, and bonus points.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — Scotland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 4 October 2027 — Ireland vs Portugal
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney - 10 October 2027 — Ireland vs Scotland
Perth Stadium, Perth - 11 October 2027 — Uruguay vs Portugal
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 17 October 2027 — Ireland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 17 October 2027 — Scotland vs Portugal
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool E — France, Japan, United States, Samoa
Group summary
France headline Pool E after reaching the previous final, with Japan expected to challenge strongly for second place. Samoa and the United States provide physicality and athleticism, making this one of the more unpredictable groups.
Fixtures
- 2 October 2027 — France vs United States
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 3 October 2027 — Japan vs Samoa
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 9 October 2027 — United States vs Samoa
Perth Stadium, Perth - 9 October 2027 — France vs Japan
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 15 October 2027 — Japan vs United States
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 17 October 2027 — France vs Samoa
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Pool F — England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe
Group summary
Pool F is defined by the renewed rivalry between England and Wales, who will meet in one of the final pool fixtures in Sydney. Tonga’s physical style and Zimbabwe’s return to the World Cup add further intrigue, with third place potentially enough to reach the knockout stage depending on rankings.
Fixtures
16 October 2027 — England vs Wales
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Stadium Australia, Sydney
2 October 2027 — Wales vs Zimbabwe
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
2 October 2027 — England vs Tonga
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
8 October 2027 — Wales vs Tonga
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
8 October 2027 — England vs Zimbabwe
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
15 October 2027 — Tonga vs Zimbabwe
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
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