Mako Vunipola responds to reports he could swap countries in the future

Wednesday, 18 November 2020 at 08:42

byRugby Rucker

England and Saracens prop Mako Vunipola has responded to reports that he's interested in representing Tonga at some point in his career.

As a member of an established Tongan rugby dynasty, Mako has made his own mark on the game in a Saracens, England and British & Irish Lions shirt.

Tom Hamilton

@tomhamiltonespn

·Follow

A heart-warming gesture. Billy and Mako Vunipola paid for Tonga's post-match celebration after they beat Italy. es.pn/2gdzWhK

7:01 AM · Dec 2, 2016

Read 2 replies

And with World Rugby boss Bill Beaumont suggesting players frome tier one nations could also represent tier two countries in the future, the 29-year-old had this sensible point of view.

"When I'm with England, I'm proud to be English, but understanding my heritage is Tongan. Whatever I can do to try and help as much as I can; not just with Tonga but the islands, I do.

EDITORS PICKS:

"Obviously I'd love to play for them, but it's difficult because it would be unfair to those back on the island; to see myself as an old man coming in and taking that opportunity away from them.

'It's a catch-22 really. You'd like to see people not being tied down to one (country) and being able to represent those countries - and they'd be better for it - but you'd also like locals to have the opportunity to make a better life for themselves by playing for their country and on the back of that getting contracts overseas."

LIST | 5 England players who could swap nations for 2023 World Cup

1. Manu Tuilagi (Samoa)

Current number of caps: 41
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Did you know: He was named Manusamoa, after the name of the Samoan national team

The England centre, who was born in Fogapoa and came to the UK at the age of 13, is one of a clutch of Pacific Island players whose eligibility status could change if the restrictions are relaxed. He is the younger brother of Freddie, Henry, Alesana, Anitelea and Sanele Vavae Tuilagi, all of whom are Samoan internationals and also played for Leicester. It would be fantastic for the powerhouse to complete the set.

2. Mako Vunipola (Tonga)

Current number of caps: 63
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Did you know: In 2018, Vunipola and his partner welcomed a son, Jacob.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, the loosehead-prop would be eligiable to play for Tonga as he is the son of former Tonga captain Fe'ao Vunipola. He is also the nephew of two other former international players, Manu and 'Elisi Vunipola who both represented Tonga in the 1990s.

3. Nathan Hughes (Fiji)

Current number of caps: 20
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Did you know: His uncle, Asaeli Hughes, is a former dual international having represented Fiji in both basketball and 15s rugby

The number eight was unlucky not to be included in Eddie Jones' squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The number eight, who has impressed for Bristol Bears this season, would be a stellar addition to the Fiji pack.

10226666666666666x767 origin 0x0 england number eight nathan hughes

4. Christian Wade (USA)

Current number of caps: 1
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Did you know: In October 2018 Wade left rugby union to pursue a career in the NFL

Having left rugby union to pursue a career in the NFL, signing a reserve/future contract with the Bills on 6 January 2020. If he stays across the pond, the winger could make a shock switch back to the sport and possibly represent the 2023 Rugby World Cup, finally getting the international recognition he never received while playing in England.

5. Denny Solomona (Samoa)

Current number of caps: 5
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 30
Did you know: He scored 42 tries in 2016, breaking the Super League record

Despite representing England in rugby union, the winger has previously played for Samoa at international in rugby league. After falling out of Eddie Jones plans, representing Samoa would give the deadly finisher another chance to prove himself on the international stage.

CANCELLED | Another Autumn Nations Cup match has been called off

LIST | 5 players who were very lucky to play for England