Billy Vunipola is deep in discussions with struggling Top 14 team Montpellier for a potential move to France once his contract with Gallagher Premiership champions Saracens expires at the end of the season.
The England No8, who last played for his country in the Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat to South Africa in October, recently engaged in a Zoom call with Montpellier officials.
Meanwhile, his brother Mako is also exploring the possibility of joining Montpellier ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Mako Vunipola, the 33-year-old prop who missed this season’s Rugby World Cup due to a back injury, retired from international rugby in January after amassing 79 caps for England and representing the British and Irish Lions on nine occasions.
Saracens head coach Mark McCall conceded earlier this month that Mako Vunipola is likely to follow his brother in departing North London this summer, marking the end of an era as the Vunipola siblings join former England skipper Owen Farrell in seeking new horizons.
Highest-paid rugby players in the world 2024
6. Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – £610,000
During his tenure at Montpellier, the Springbok fly-half was known as one of the highest-earning players in the sport, purportedly receiving an annual salary exceeding one million.
However, his transfer to Leicester Tigers entailed a reduction in pay, although he is still believed to be earning a respectable sum at Welford Road.
5. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) – £700,000
The Les Bleus’ talisman is undoubtedly leading one of the most exciting teams on the international stage, all while helping to change the perception of the sport.
