The 2023/24 Premiership season certainly marked the end of an era for Saracens. With Owen Farrell not pursuing pastures new with Racing 92, another Saracens stalwart could be set with a move to France ahead of the 2024/25 Top 14 season. Loose-head prop Mako Vunipola has reportedly been approached by the newly promoted RC Vannes, according to French media outlet Midi Olimpique.
Vannes have ascended to the Top 14 for the first time in their history, and have already bolstered the squad in the arrivals of French capped lock Fabrice Metz and former Pau fly half Thibault Debaes. The Breton club are also reportedly in talks to sign Fijian international wing Filipo Nakosi and have their eye on former England prop Mako Vunipola.
Mako’s brother Billy Vunipola has already found a new home in France for the 2024/25 season, with his older brother looking set to follow suit should the move come to fruition. Local sources across France suggest that Billy Vunipola’s speculated move to Montpellier looks set to go ahead, with the long serving Saracen stalwarts potentially set for a reunion in the French first division.
Should Mako and Billy both complete their signings with the respective Top 14 clubs, they will join the growing list of former England internationals that have departed the Premiership for France, at the end of the 2023/24 season. Northampton Saints witnessed the departure of Courtney Lawes (Brive) and Lewis Ludlam following their triumphant final win over Bath, with former Bristol Bears tighthead Kyle Sinckler set to join Ludlam in Toulon.