England and Lions prop Mako Vunipola has revealed he hopes to be part of Tonga’s coaching set-up at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia — with younger brother Billy potentially joining the squad as a player.
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Tongan rugby officials are understood to have reached out to both brothers about possible involvement. While Billy could switch allegiance under World Rugby’s three-year stand-down rule, Mako admits the tournament will come too late for him to continue playing.
The Saracens 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.”
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.”
EDITOR'S PICKS:
2027 Rugby World Cup Pools (Predicted)
Pool A – “The Powerhouse Pool”
? Storyline: South Africa vs Australia could be a World Cup final preview, while Japan and Portugal fight for third place.
Pool B – “The Six Nations Clash”
? Storyline: The All Blacks renew their rivalry with Scotland in a high-stakes pool, while Spain could cause an upset.
Pool C – “The Wild Card Pool”
? Storyline: Expect fireworks between Ireland and Fiji; USA and Hong Kong battle for the third spot.
Pool D – “The European Throwdown”
? Storyline: France should lead this pool, but Tonga’s unpredictability makes it dangerous.
Pool E – “The Battleground of Grit”
- England (Band 1)
- Georgia (Band 2)
- Uruguay (Band 3)
- Zimbabwe (Band 4)
? Storyline: England’s depth makes them favourites, but Georgia could make it interesting.
Pool F – “The Wales Challenge”
- Argentina (Band 1)
- Wales (Band 2)
- Chile (Band 3)
- Samoa (Band 4)
? Storyline: Wales face a tough opener against Argentina but have a strong chance to top this pool; Samoa adds dark horse intrigue.
Simulated Tournament Outcomes
Using historical performance, band rankings, and match probabilities, here’s a projected simulation:
Group Stage Standings:
- Pool A: South Africa (1st), Australia (2nd), Japan (3rd, best third-place)
- Pool B: New Zealand (1st), Scotland (2nd), Spain (3rd, best third-place)
- Pool C: Ireland (1st), Fiji (2nd), USA (3rd, best third-place)
- Pool D: France (1st), Italy (2nd), Tonga (3rd, best third-place)
- Pool E: England (1st), Georgia (2nd), Uruguay (3rd)
- Pool F: Argentina (1st), Wales (2nd), Chile (3rd)
Round of 16 Highlights:
- South Africa beats Tonga
- New Zealand defeats USA
- England overcomes Italy
- France wins vs Japan
- Argentina beats Scotland
- Australia defeats Wales
- Ireland edges Spain
- Fiji overcomes Georgia
Quarter-Finals:
- South Africa vs France → South Africa wins
- New Zealand vs Ireland → New Zealand wins
- England vs Fiji → England wins
- Argentina vs Australia → Argentina wins
Semi-Finals:
- South Africa vs England → South Africa wins
- New Zealand vs Argentina → New Zealand wins
Final:
- South Africa vs New Zealand → South Africa lifts the Webb Ellis Cup
Third Place:
- England defeats Argentina to claim bronze.
