Billy Vunipola, born on November 3, 1992, is a professional rugby union player hailing from Australia.
He plays as a powerful Number 8 for Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership and represents the England national team. Although born in Sydney to Tongan parents, Vunipola moved to Wales at a young age when his father joined Pontypool RFC in 1998.
He received his education at various schools in Wales and England, including Harrow School, where he excelled in rugby and earned a scholarship.
Vunipola began his club career at Harrow School, joining the Wasps Academy. He made his senior team debut during the 2011-12 season and played 30 matches over two seasons before departing at the end of the 2012-2013 season.
In January 2013, he signed a contract with Saracens, where he has enjoyed significant success. With Saracens, Vunipola has won four Premiership titles in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019, featuring in all four finals and scoring a try in the 2018 final against Exeter Chiefs.
He has also played a crucial role in Saracens' triumphs in the European Rugby Champions Cup, lifting the trophy three times in four seasons, defeating Racing 92 in 2016 and ASM Clermont Auvergne in 2017. In the 2019 final, Vunipola scored a try in the victory over Leinster.
After Saracens' relegation from the Premiership, he played a vital role in their promotion, scoring two tries in the 2021 Championship play-off final against Ealing Trailfinders.
Vunipola made his international debut for England in 2013 and has since earned over 50 caps. He has represented England at various levels, including the under-18 and under-20 teams.
Known for his physicality and impact on the field, Vunipola has been a key contributor to England's success in various tournaments. He scored tries in the Six Nations Championship matches against Italy and France in 2015, and he was part of the England squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Injuries hampered his participation in the tournament, but he bounced back to feature prominently in subsequent campaigns. He played a vital role in England's successful 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam campaign and scored a try in the series whitewash against Australia later that year.
Vunipola continued to make his mark, contributing tries and performances of note in subsequent Six Nations Championships and the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where he reached his 50th cap and started in the final against South Africa.
Despite being initially selected for the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017, Vunipola had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury. He has also been recognized for his achievements off the field, winning the Player of the Year award at the 2016 Rugby Players' Association (RPA) awards.
Vunipola's family has strong rugby connections, with his father, Fe'ao Vunipola, being a former Tonga captain, and his brother, Mako Vunipola, also playing alongside him at Saracens and for England.
In March 2020, Vunipola signed a new contract with Saracens, further cementing his commitment to the club. His contributions to both club and country have established him as one of the most formidable and influential players in English rugby, known for his rampaging runs and dominant presence on the field.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Vunipola has been named in the squad for England.
KG(23/06/2023)
Career
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Montpellier No. 8 |
2024 - present |
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England U20's No. 8 |
2012 - 2012 |
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Wasps No. 8 |
2012 - 2013 |
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British & Irish Lions No. 8 |
2017 - 2017 |
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Harrow School No. 8 |
|
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England No. 8 |
2013 - 2024 |
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Saracens No. 8 |
2013 - 2024 |
