Mako Vunipola reveals he is swapping nations for 2027 Rugby World Cup

Wednesday, 01 April 2026 at 14:34

byRugby Rucker

Mako Vunipola has said he hopes to take on a coaching role with Tonga at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia — with his younger brother, Billy Vunipola, potentially featuring as a player.

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It is understood that Tongan rugby officials have approached both brothers about getting involved. While Billy could change international allegiance under World Rugby’s three-year stand-down rule, Mako acknowledges the timing of the tournament means he is unlikely to still be playing by then.

The soon to be Leicester tigers front-rower, who has collected four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups, told RugbyPass:

“I have had discussions with (Tonga) and if it was in 2026 then it is something I may have considered but next year I want to get into coaching. I know they have talked to Billy and are keen to get him involved.”

Having spoken with Tonga head coach Tevita Tu’ifua, Mako says the prospect of helping the Pacific Island nation is deeply personal.

“Coaching is something I would really love to help with because I am very proud of my Tongan heritage. Coaching Billy? It’s something I had done throughout our time together at Sarries! But being serious, it would be very special and I have always tried to help his game and as brothers we are always supportive of each other.”

The 33-year-old confirmed that the 2024–25 season will be his last as a player, as he prepares to transition full-time into coaching.

“This is going to be my final year as a player and I would then like to transition into coaching and getting experience is something I would like to do, and if that happened with Tonga it would be great.”

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Vunipola says the physical toll of the professional game has made his decision clear.

“I don’t think the body would be able to last as a player until 2027 and it’s not just playing – it’s the training and preparation that takes its toll.”

He added that while he did discuss the idea of playing for Tonga, the timing simply doesn’t align.

“I have had discussions (about playing) with Tonga and if the World Cup was at the end of this season then it may have been a possibility, but not in 2027.”

Rugby World Cup 2027 Full Draw: England and Wales meet again

England’s recent emphatic win over Wales adds extra spice to their upcoming meeting at the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, where the old rivals have been drawn together once again in the pool stage.

The expanded 24-team tournament will be played across Australia from 1 October 2027, with six pools of four teams and a new round-of-16 knockout phase. With fixtures and venues now confirmed by World Rugby, attention quickly turns to how each group will unfold.

Pool A — New Zealand, Australia (H), Chile, Hong Kong China

Group summary

Pool A features tournament hosts Australia and three-time champions New Zealand, making it one of the headline groups of the opening phase. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting historic results, while the trans-Tasman clash between Australia and New Zealand is expected to be one of the most watched pool matches of the tournament.

Fixtures

Pool B — South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania

Group summary

Defending champions South Africa headline Pool B and begin their campaign against Italy. Georgia continue to establish themselves as a consistent World Cup presence, while Romania return aiming to challenge for third place and possible qualification via rankings.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — South Africa vs Italy
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
3 October 2027 — Georgia vs Romania
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
10 October 2027 — South Africa vs Georgia
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
11 October 2027 — Italy vs Romania
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
17 October 2027 — Italy vs Georgia
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
17 October 2027 — South Africa vs Romania
Perth Stadium, Perth

Pool C — Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada

Group summary

Pool C blends South American consistency with Pacific flair. Argentina enter as favourites, while Fiji’s attacking threat makes them dangerous opponents for any side. Spain return to the World Cup looking to make an impact, and Canada continue their rebuilding process.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — Argentina vs Canada
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
4 October 2027 — Fiji vs Spain
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
10 October 2027 — Fiji vs Canada
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
10 October 2027 — Argentina vs Spain
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
16 October 2027 — Argentina vs Fiji
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
17 October 2027 — Spain vs Canada
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville

Pool D — Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal

Group summary

Ireland and Scotland lead Pool D in what shapes as a tightly contested group. Uruguay and Portugal bring speed and tactical variety, with qualification likely to be decided by fine margins, discipline, and bonus points.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — Scotland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
4 October 2027 — Ireland vs Portugal
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
10 October 2027 — Ireland vs Scotland
Perth Stadium, Perth
11 October 2027 — Uruguay vs Portugal
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
17 October 2027 — Ireland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
17 October 2027 — Scotland vs Portugal
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane

Pool E — France, Japan, United States, Samoa

Group summary

France headline Pool E after reaching the previous final, with Japan expected to challenge strongly for second place. Samoa and the United States provide physicality and athleticism, making this one of the more unpredictable groups.

Fixtures

2 October 2027 — France vs United States
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
3 October 2027 — Japan vs Samoa
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
9 October 2027 — United States vs Samoa
Perth Stadium, Perth
9 October 2027 — France vs Japan
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
15 October 2027 — Japan vs United States
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
17 October 2027 — France vs Samoa
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

Pool F — England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe

Group summary

Pool F is defined by the renewed rivalry between England and Wales, who will meet in one of the final pool fixtures in Sydney. Tonga’s physical style and Zimbabwe’s return to the World Cup add further intrigue, with third place potentially enough to reach the knockout stage depending on rankings.