Saracens number 8 Billy Vunipola’s chances of an England recall during the Autumn Nations Series are over after he suffered a knee injury.
Scan results revealed he suffered a minor ligament injury against Harlequins, which is expected o rule him out for about four weeks.
French rugby paper Midi Olympique have linked Billy and brother Mako Vunipola with a move to the Top 14 following their England omission last month
MO writes: “Two of the best-known internationals still playing could be making an imminent departure to France.
“Mako and Billy Vunipola are coming to the end of their contracts with Saracens and are ignored by Eddie Jones.
“Their CVs have recently been submitted to Top 14 clubs and some contacts may already have been made.
“The name Vunipola comes up repeatedly at Bordeaux Bègles. Billy Vunipola matches the profile sought to succeed Louis Picamoles and become the new spearhead of the Girondin (an area around Bordeaux) pack.”
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#1&2. Owen Farrell & Marcus Smith
Jones said: “‘We know George is a good player but we’ve asked him to have a look at a couple of things in his game to make him even better,’ said Jones. ‘I think he is doing that. He is playing well.
“But we are keen to give Marcus and Owen the opportunity to play at 10 and 12 and see where they can take our game.”
DID YOU KNOW? Smith started playing rugby union at the age of seven for Centaurs RFC when his family moved to Singapore