Billy and Mako Vunipola make decision on their futures after receiving big offers

Friday, 24 December 2021 at 12:08

byRugby Rucker

Billy and Mako Vunipola have signed new contracts with Saracens, turning down offers from France to keep alive their England prospects.

The brothers, who have been at the forefront of the success at StoneX Stadium for the last decade will be remaining in North London, which is hugely exciting news for all fans of the club.

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Billy, who has made 135 appearances for Saracens has won four Premiership titles and three European crowns during his time at StoneX. His try in the 2019 European Cup Final against Leinster sealed the victory, further enhancing his reputation amongst the supporters as a fan favourite.

The 29-year-old also has 61 England caps to his name, cementing his place as one of the most feared number eights in world rugby.

Mako has represented the Men in Black 187 times since joining in 2011. He has also been central to the domestic and European success, winning eight trophies for Sarries.

He has played for England 67 times, and also been on three British and Irish Lions tours and accumulated nine test caps against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa on the 2013, 2017 and 2021 tours.

4 more rugby transfers that are definitely (probably) going to happen

Here we take a look at five transfers which will almost certainly be announced before the conclusion of the 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership season…

#1. Jonathan Joseph (Bath to Sale)

Centre Joseph is out of contract with Bath next summer and is understood to be on Sale’s shortlist if Rohan Janse van Rensburg returns home to South Africa.’

Jonathan Joseph of Bath Rugby during the Challenge Cup Semi Final Match between Bath Rugby and Montpellier at the Recreation Ground on 1 May. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#2. Nathan Hughes (Bristol Bears to London Irish)

Hughes could become a victim of the salary cap squeeze, with the Bristol No 8 yet to agree a new contract with the club. Hughes is likely to leave Bristol, who have started refreshing their squad with the signing of Ellis Genge. London Irish are the favourites to land the former England number 8, according to RUCK sources.

Try Celebrations for Nathan Hughes of Bristol Bears of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate on 1 Jan. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#3. Siya Kolisi (Sharks to Saracens)

The buy-out at Sarries involves rapper Jay-Z’s entertainment agency, Roc Nation, who also happen represent the South Africa captain.

Therefore, a move to North London for Kolisi, who has previously been linked with Wasps, all of sudden looks very possible. One of biggest names in the sport today, this would be a statement signing for the new ownership.

DID YOU KNOW? Kolisi is an ardent fan of English club Liverpool FC

#4. George Kruis (Saitama Wild Knights to Leicester Tigers)

Tigers are hoping to bring the former England and Lions second row back to the Premiership next season. Kruis, 31, has spent the last year playing in Japan for the Saitama Wild Knights following a trophy-laden 11 seasons with Saracens.

A member of the 2017 Lions squad that toured New Zealand, he has said he still has ambitions to add to his 45 England caps.