"End of an era" - Billy and Mako Vunipola will leave Saracens at the end of the season.
Rugby NewsThursday, 21 March 2024 at 10:45
Saracens boss Mark McCall has revealed the Vunipola brothers, Mako and Billy, are likely to leave at the end of the season.
According to Nik Simon from the Mail Online, McCall has suggested the duo could depart this summer with reports in France suggesting Billy will sign with Montpellier.
Mako Vunipola, born on January 13, 1991, is a prop forward who has made a significant impact in both club and international rugby. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing in at over 120 kilograms, Mako's imposing presence on the field has made him a cornerstone of the teams he represents.
He began his professional career with Saracens in 2011 and quickly established himself as one of the premier loosehead props in the game. With Saracens, Mako has tasted success on multiple occasions, winning the European Rugby Champions Cup in 2016, 2017, and 2019, as well as claiming the Premiership title in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in Saracens' RFU Championship victory in 2021.
Billy Vunipola, born on November 3, 1992, is a powerhouse number 8 known for his explosive runs, bone-crunching tackles, and exceptional ball-handling skills. Like his brother, Billy has enjoyed a stellar career both at the club and international levels.
He joined Saracens in 2013 and quickly established himself as one of the most dominant forwards in the game. Alongside Mako, Billy has been instrumental in Saracens' numerous triumphs, including their European Rugby Champions Cup victories in 2016, 2017, and 2019, as well as their Premiership titles in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019.
Every England player ranked from best to worst on their 2024 Six Nations performance
In the opening rounds of the Six Nations, Borthwick's revamped lineup struggled on the attack, tallying a mere six tries.
However, a remarkable turnaround unfolded as England surged, bagging seven tries against formidable opponents Ireland and France, both ranked second and fourth in the world.
These victories against top-ranked nations highlight substantial progress for the English side.
Below, the squad is meticulously ranked from top-tier performers to those falling short. Among the standout talents, Ben Earl emerges as the epitome of excellence.
| vs Italy | vs Wales | vs Scotland | vs Ireland | vs France | Average rating | |
| Ben Earl | 7 | 8 | 6.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 7.8 |
| George Martin | / | / | 7 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 7.666666667 |
| Ollie Lawrence | / | / | 5.5 | 9 | 8 | 7.5 |
| Marcus Smith | / | / | / | 8 | 6.5 | 7.25 |
| Tommy Freeman | 7.5 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 7 | 8 | 7.1 |
| Alex Mitchell | 6.5 | 7 | / | 7.5 | 7 | 7 |
| Ellis Genge | / | 7 | 5.5 | 7 | 8 | 6.875 |
| Immanuel Feyi-Waboso | 6 | / | 6.5 | 8 | / | 6.833333333 |
| Jamie George | 6 | 7.5 | 6 | 7.5 | 7 | 6.8 |
| vs Italy | vs Wales | vs Scotland | vs Ireland | vs France | Average rating | |
| Ollie Chessum | 5.5 | 7 | 5 | 8.5 | 8 | 6.8 |
| Chandler Cunningham-South | 7 | 7 | 5 | 8 | / | 6.75 |
| George Furbank | / | / | 5.5 | 8 | / | 6.75 |
| George Ford | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 7 | 8 | 6.7 |
| Maro Itoje | 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 7 | 6.7 |
| Sam Underhill | 5.5 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 7 | 6.6 |
| Freddie Steward | 5.5 | 7.5 | / | / | / | 6.5 |
| Dan Cole | 5 | 7 | 5 | 7.5 | 7 | 6.3 |
| Fraser Dingwall | 5.5 | 7 | / | / | / | 6.25 |
| Ethan Roots | 7.5 | 6.5 | 5 | / | 6 | 6.25 |
| Alex Coles | 6 | 6.5 | / | / | / | 6.25 |
Maro Itoje of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Wales at Twickenham, London on 10 February 2024 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
| vs Italy | vs Wales | vs Scotland | vs Ireland | vs France | Average rating | |
| Henry Slade | 6.5 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 6.1 |
| Danny Care | 5.5 | 6.5 | 5 | 7.5 | 6 | 6.1 |
| Beno Obano | 6 | / | / | / | / | 6 |
| Elliot Daly | 5.5 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.8 |
| Alex Dombrandt | / | / | / | 6 | 5.5 | 5.75 |
| Joe Marler | 5.5 | 6 | 4 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Theo Dan | 5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 7 | 6.5 | 5.5 |
| Manu Tuilagi | / | / | / | / | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Fin Smith | 5 | / | 5.5 | / | / | 5.25 |
| Will Stuart | 5 | 5.5 | 4 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.2 |
| Ben Spencer | / | / | 5 | / | / | 5 |
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