Vunipola brothers reveal they are swapping nations for next Rugby World Cup
Rugby NewsFriday, 20 March 2026 at 20:06
England and Lions prop Mako Vunipola has revealed he hopes to be part of Tonga’s coaching set-up at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia — with younger brother Billy potentially joining the squad as a player.
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Tongan rugby officials are understood to have reached out to both brothers about possible involvement. While Billy could switch allegiance under World Rugby’s three-year stand-down rule, Mako admits the tournament will come too late for him to continue playing.
The Saracens front-rower, who has collected four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups, told RugbyPass:
“I have had discussions with (Tonga) and if it was in 2026 then it is something I may have considered but next year I want to get into coaching. I know they have talked to Billy and are keen to get him involved.”
Having spoken with Tonga head coach Tevita Tu’ifua, Mako says the prospect of helping the Pacific Island nation is deeply personal.
“Coaching is something I would really love to help with because I am very proud of my Tongan heritage. Coaching Billy? It’s something I had done throughout our time together at Sarries! But being serious, it would be very special and I have always tried to help his game and as brothers we are always supportive of each other.”
The 33-year-old confirmed that the 2024–25 season will be his last as a player, as he prepares to transition full-time into coaching.
“This is going to be my final year as a player and I would then like to transition into coaching and getting experience is something I would like to do, and if that happened with Tonga it would be great.”
Vunipola says the physical toll of the professional game has made his decision clear.
“I don’t think the body would be able to last as a player until 2027 and it’s not just playing – it’s the training and preparation that takes its toll.”
He added that while he did discuss the idea of playing for Tonga, the timing simply doesn’t align.
“I have had discussions (about playing) with Tonga and if the World Cup was at the end of this season then it may have been a possibility, but not in 2027.”
2027 Rugby World Cup Draw & Fixtures (UK times & Stadiums)
All kick-off times are UK local time (BST).
Pool A – New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong China
A heavyweight trans-Tasman showdown headlines this pool, with New Zealand and hosts Australia expected to battle for top spot. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting statement wins as they look to upset the established order.
- Australia v Hong Kong China | 1 Oct | 11:45 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- New Zealand v Chile | 2 Oct | 06:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- Australia v New Zealand | 9 Oct | 07:10 | Stadium Australia, Sydney
- Chile v Hong Kong China | 9 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
- New Zealand v Hong Kong China | 15 Oct | 07:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Australia v Chile | 16 Oct | 06:10 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool B – South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Defending champions South Africa will start as clear favourites, but Italy’s steady rise and Georgia’s formidable forward power could make this pool tighter than expected. Romania will aim to rediscover their traditional edge on the world stage.
- South Africa v Italy | 3 Oct | 05:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Georgia v Romania | 3 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
- South Africa v Georgia | 10 Oct | 07:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Italy v Romania | 11 Oct | 09:45 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
- Italy v Georgia | 17 Oct | 02:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- South Africa v Romania | 17 Oct | 12:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth
Pool C – Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada
This pool promises flair and unpredictability. Argentina and Fiji bring attacking firepower, while Spain continue their steady climb in Europe. Canada will look to re-establish themselves as a genuine World Cup force.
- Fiji v Spain | 4 Oct | 04:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- Argentina v Canada | 4 Oct | 09:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Fiji v Canada | 10 Oct | 02:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Argentina v Spain | 10 Oct | 05:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Argentina v Fiji | 16 Oct | 03:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Spain v Canada | 16 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
Pool D – Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal
A fierce Celtic clash between Ireland and Scotland could decide top spot, but neither can afford to underestimate Uruguay or Portugal. Both emerging nations have proven capable of pushing Tier One sides deep into contests.
- Scotland v Uruguay | 3 Oct | 07:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Ireland v Portugal | 4 Oct | 07:15 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
- Ireland v Scotland | 10 Oct | 10:45 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- Uruguay v Portugal | 11 Oct | 07:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- Ireland v Uruguay | 17 Oct | 04:45 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Scotland v Portugal | 17 Oct | 07:15 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool E – France, Japan, USA, Samoa
France headline a dynamic group that blends European flair with Pacific power. Japan’s high-tempo style and Samoa’s physical edge make this one of the most dangerous pools, while the USA will be targeting a breakthrough campaign.
- France v USA | 2 Oct | 08:45 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Japan v Samoa | 3 Oct | 02:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- USA v Samoa | 9 Oct | 05:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- France v Japan | 9 Oct | 09:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Japan v USA | 15 Oct | 10:30 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- France v Samoa | 17 Oct | 09:45 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Pool F – England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe
England and Wales renew one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries in a pool packed with physicality. Tonga’s power game could prove decisive, while Zimbabwe will look to bring energy and ambition to every contest.
- Wales v Zimbabwe | 2 Oct | 03:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- England v Tonga | 2 Oct | 11:15 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Wales v Tonga | 8 Oct | 08:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- England v Zimbabwe | 8 Oct | 10:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Tonga v Zimbabwe | 15 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
- England v Wales | 16 Oct | 09:45 | Stadium Australia, Sydney
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players
From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!
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