Former England and British & Irish Lions prop Mako Vunipola has taken his first steps into coaching, combining his playing duties at Leicester Tigers with a new role behind the scenes.
The 35-year-old is working with Leicester's women's team as he prepares for life after professional rugby.
Vunipola returned to the PREM this season following two years with French club Vannes.
But the experienced loosehead is already thinking about his next chapter.
Mako Vunipola begins coaching career
The former Saracens star revealed that he discussed his coaching ambitions with Leicester when the club approached him about returning to England.
He has since started working with the Tigers' women's setup while continuing to play for the men's first team.
Speaking about the transition, Vunipola admitted coaching has proved more complicated than he expected.
The 79-cap England international is learning that passing on knowledge from the touchline is very different from delivering performances on the pitch.
His move into coaching comes after a glittering career that included four English league titles and three European Champions Cups with Saracens.
He also represented the British & Irish Lions on three tours, making nine Test appearances.
Could Tonga be next?
Vunipola has previously expressed interest in joining Tonga's coaching setup for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The prop has strong family connections to the Pacific Island nation and has already spent time learning from its coaching staff.
His younger brother Billy has also been linked with representing Tonga.
For now, Mako remains focused on Leicester, with no confirmed retirement date.
But his first steps into coaching suggest the next chapter of his rugby career is already taking shape.
10 facts about Mako Vunipola
1. Born in New Zealand: Mako Vunipola was born on 14 January 1991 in Wellington, New Zealand.
2. Tongan heritage: His father, Fe'ao Vunipola, represented Tonga at the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups.
3. England international: The loosehead prop made his England debut against Fiji at Twickenham in November 2012.
4. 79 England caps: Vunipola made 79 appearances for England between 2012 and 2023.
5. British & Irish Lions legend: He toured with the Lions in 2013, 2017 and 2021, earning nine Test caps.
6. Family connection: His younger brother, Billy Vunipola, also represented England, winning 75 international caps.
7. Saracens stalwart: He spent more than a decade at Saracens, winning multiple domestic and European titles.
8. European champion: Vunipola helped Saracens win three European Champions Cup titles in 2016, 2017 and 2019.
9. World Cup finalist: He started England's 2019 Rugby World Cup final against South Africa in Japan.
10. Return to the PREM: After two seasons with French club Vannes, Vunipola joined Leicester Tigers in 2026, reuniting with former England teammate Geoff Parling.
