ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Tributes fly in as Vunipola announces international retirement

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Friday Jan 12, 2024

Mako Vunipola has announced his retirement from international rugby after years at the very top. The Saracens player debuted for England at only 21 years of age, and in that time he has achieved over 70 caps for the national side, including a World Cup final.

ADVERTISEMENT

In a statement, the 32-year-old said: “It’s been an honour to have represented my country but all good things must come to an end. The time has come to step away now. There have been lots of highs and lows. Would love to thank everyone who have helped me along the way.

“To my wife @alex_vunipola thank you for taking care of our family and all your support. Words don’t do it justice. To my parents I’m eternally grateful for all you have sacrificed for me to be here. Malo aupito and Ofa atu.”

Former teammate Jacques Burger said: “You are a legend mate. Been a pleasure sharing the field with you”, whilst the Watson brothers, Marcus and Anthony, both echoed their own respects to the former international.

Another former Saracens teammate, Brad Barrett added: “Congrats on a fantastic @englandrugby career Mako! A real privilege to play alongside you pal!”.

ADVERTISEMENT

BARNET, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Joe Heyes of Leicester Tigers takes on Billy Vunipola and Mako Vunipola during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Saracens and Leicester Tigers at the StoneX Stadium on October 01, 2022 in Barnet, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Other mentions include the likes of Mike Brown and Bundee Aki, amongst many others.

Related Articles

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Official calls halt to play amidst double-call...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    WATCH: Christian Wade secures incredible HATRICK in just second match back in the Gallagher Premiership

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Results: Another exciting weekend of international rugby complete

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: South African schoolboy leaves defenders clutching at ghosts

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Innovative Springboks score incredible trick try vs the All Blacks

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans call for Stuart Hogg to face punishment after altercation involving ball boy

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leigh Halfpenny given harsh welcome to English rugby

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fight kicks off between parents and players in South African school boy match

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Next big Scotland star completes IMPOSSIBLE tackle to win his side the match

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Antoine Dupont’s latest side quest

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Cameraman dives for the line and squirrel goes looking for Leicester opener in hilarious scenes during Bath match

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Black Ferns STUNNED by Ireland while Kildunne WONDER TRY helps England take victory over USA

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    WATCH: Christian Wade secures incredible HATRICK in just second match back in the Gallagher Premiership

View All

Funnies

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Siya Kolisi recalls ultimate 'bro moment' with Eben Etzebeth

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Cameraman dives for the line and squirrel goes looking for Leicester opener in hilarious scenes during Bath match

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Rokoduguni scores as debate rages over validity of five point penalty kick

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Owen Farrell spotted in Paris committing hard to life with Racing 92

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    'Who is that guy?!' - US sports commentator in awe of Springbok star

View All

Amateur

  • 91 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 91 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 114 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 114 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 114 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Next big Scotland star completes IMPOSSIBLE tackle to win his side the match

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    A return to the England squad for Saracens star after six years in the wilderness

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Marcus Smith removed from position amid injury crisis

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Antoine Dupont’s latest side quest

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All