Speaking with The Telegraph, Billy Vunipola was eager to reveal what really happened between him and England boss Steve Borthwick.
The speculations that circulated after his unexpected exclusion from Borthwick’s initial England squad for the Six Nations Championship in January implied that it stemmed from a discord between them dating back four years, during a World Cup training camp in Treviso.
“When someone says something to you, and you get offended by it – for example, if someone says to me: ‘Billy you need to lose some weight’ and I get offended by it – it usually means that it is right,” Vunipola exclusively told Telegraph Sport.
“So, when I had a conversation with Steve and he told me that I wasn’t playing to my potential and that I wasn’t doing my job, my first reaction was: ‘Who is this guy to say that?’ But when I sat down and finally thought about it, I said to myself: ‘Do you know what, he is right.’ It was obvious to see that I wasn’t playing well in November.
“We talked about the autumn where I wasn’t as prominent as I should have been – and could have been in comparison to what I’d done previously.
“I had an honest conversation about him not seeing the player that I can be. And so, the challenge was set for me to basically go back to the club and show him. Not just show him but also for me, I think I got to a stage where I needed to take on extra responsibility to move my game on.”
Vunipola added: “I had a conversation with Steve about rugby after training when we were in Treviso. I said a few things that were out of line, basically. I said some things that never should have been said to Steve in that way, but also in front of other people.
“We had already had conversations about my rugby in January and it is important to say that I don’t believe it had anything to do with me not playing in the Six Nations.
“But I felt it was important for myself to address the issue and actually apologise to Steve, having matured a little bit. I just wanted to let him know that I was sorry, because I am sorry, you know.
“He should never have been in that situation where I’ve made him feel like I was patronising towards him. Especially as an elder, not just the coach but someone who’s older than me. It was very disrespectful what I did to Steve.”
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”