Vunipola brothers close in on moves to same club following Saracens departure
Rugby NewsMonday, 15 April 2024 at 19:44
Billy Vunipola is deep in discussions with struggling Top 14 team Montpellier for a potential move to France once his contract with Gallagher Premiership champions Saracens expires at the end of the season.
The England No8, who last played for his country in the Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat to South Africa in October, recently engaged in a Zoom call with Montpellier officials.
Meanwhile, his brother Mako is also exploring the possibility of joining Montpellier ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Mako Vunipola, the 33-year-old prop who missed this season's Rugby World Cup due to a back injury, retired from international rugby in January after amassing 79 caps for England and representing the British and Irish Lions on nine occasions.
Saracens head coach Mark McCall conceded earlier this month that Mako Vunipola is likely to follow his brother in departing North London this summer, marking the end of an era as the Vunipola siblings join former England skipper Owen Farrell in seeking new horizons.
Highest-paid rugby players in the world 2024
6. Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) - £610,000
During his tenure at Montpellier, the Springbok fly-half was known as one of the highest-earning players in the sport, purportedly receiving an annual salary exceeding one million.
However, his transfer to Leicester Tigers entailed a reduction in pay, although he is still believed to be earning a respectable sum at Welford Road.
Handre Pollard of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
5. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) - £700,000
The Les Bleus’ talisman is undoubtedly leading one of the most exciting teams on the international stage, all while helping to change the perception of the sport.
Antoine Dupont of France during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
4. Dan Biggar (Toulon) - £800,000
The only Welshman on this list, Biggar was previously earning around £600,000 at Northampton Saints, having joined the Gallagher Premiership side from the Ospreys. However, he recently left the Saints to join French giants Toulon, where he is reportedly earning around £800,000.
Dan Biggar of Northampton Saints kicks the penalty to take the lead during the European Champions Cup, Quarter-final match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on 20 Sept 2020. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
3. Maro Itoje (Saracens) - £850,000
When Itoje was rumoured to be interested in joining Racing 92 two years ago, club president Jacky Lorenzetti let slip that the lock wanted 1million euros for the deal to go through. Exact figures on Itoje's current salary at Saracens vary but it is reported that he is bringing home around £800,000.
A frustrated Maro Itoje of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
2. Finn Russell (Bath) - £1million
The Scotland fly-half, known for his unpredictable nature, had previously earned an annual salary of £850,000 while playing for Racing 92.
However, his recent agreement with Premiership club Bath is believed to be even more financially rewarding.
Speculations put his new deal at approximately £950,000, though certain sources indicate that it could reach an impressive £1 million per year for the entire three-year duration of his contract at the Rec.
1. Owen Farrell (Saracens) - £1.2m
Owen Farrell is set to bid farewell to English rugby at the conclusion of this season, as the Saracens fly-half secures a lucrative two-season contract with Racing 92.
The exclusive scoop was first reported by RUCK earlier today, revealing an agreement between Saracens and the Parisian club.
The Telegraph later confirmed the blockbuster move, disclosing that Farrell has officially inked a three-year deal with Racing 92.
A statement from Racing read: “Racing 92 can confirm the signing of Owen Farrell (32) for our men’s team. The England international has joined for two seasons and will join up with the ciel et blanc from July 1 2024.”
One report in France indicates that the former England captain could be earning up to £1.2m per season.
Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?
Securing victory in the Guinness Six Nations is undoubtedly special, but achieving this triumph as a captain is a feat that remains a distant dream for many.
In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.
Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.
Surnames only will be accepted.
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