Mako Vunipola

'He's pretty unique in terms of his skill set for loosehead prop'

The 31-year-old limped off with an ankle syndesmosis problem in the March 5 win over Leicester and an operation was required for him to overcome that issue. Much like England and Saracens skipper Farrell did when he was out injured and was seen assisting his club coaches, assistant Kevin Sorrell has now outlined that Vunipola did likewise while he was sidelined. 

Saracens react to latest England snub for Billy and Mako Vunipola

Long-time selection favourites of Jones since he became England boss in 2016, the Vunipola brothers fell out of favour for the recent Autumn Nations Series and that exclusion continued with last Tuesday’s latest 36-strong squad announcement.

The Vunipolas originally reacted to their Test level omission by playing well over the winter and also signing new deals at Saracens that will keep them available for England selection through to the 2023 World Cup in France.

Billy and Mako Vunipola to stay at Saracens

The pair – who have fallen out of England contention this year – had been linked with lucrative deals in France, with Lyon tipped as one possible destination.

Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall said of the signing: “Everyone involved with Saracens will be thrilled that Mako and Billy have chosen to extend their time at the club. 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.

Mako Vunipola rejects Rassie Erasmus 'reckless' claim

Springboks director of rugby Erasmus made the claim on social media.

Vunipola tried to help Cheslin Kolbe off the floor after the South Africa wing had been tackled by Ali Price.

"He seemed to be all right. He played on in the game - so it wasn't that reckless, was it?" said Vunipola.

Erasmus posted the clip on his Twitter account, where he criticised the action of the England prop who had come on as a second-half replacement.

Mako Vunipola opens up on Joe Marler's latest England absence

The 30-year-old Marler, who has won 72 caps, previously opted out of England’s tour to Australia in 2016 and retired from international rugby in 2018.

He then made himself available for the 2019 World Cup in Japan and opened up about his mental health struggles in his recently published autobiography. It is reported that his wife is expecting their fourth child and he issued a social media statement saying he wanted to “do right by my family” when it emerged on Monday that he was opting out of the 28-strong England squad chosen last Friday by Eddie Jones.

Mako Vunipola has singled out the best coach he has ever worked with

The prop has been a key figure under Jones, helping England to reach the World Cup final last year.

Jones, who took over as head coach in 2015, signed a new deal earlier this month which will keep him in the role until the end of the next World Cup in 2023. Vunipola believes Jones allows his players to play their natural game and that he is the perfect man to lead the side forward.

Mako left out, Watson returns

Vunipola has been out since December with a knee injury and had been expected to return for the Twickenham clash on February 26.

That now appears unlikely, although he could feature for Saracens when they take on Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership on Friday as he looks to prove his fitness.

Northampton prop Paul Hill has therefore been retained but Wasps' Matt Mullan has been left out.