#5. Billy Vunipola (England)
World ranking 2020 via Wales Online: #30 – “It’s clear to see how much England miss their No. 8 powerhouse when he’s not there. Just a massive, massive carrier.”
How it turned out: Despite their relegation, their international players’ lack of form and the sparsity of recent matches, Saracens were the best-represented club in the 2021 Lions squad.
However, one Saracen who was overlooked was the younger Vunipola.
A poor Six Nations didn’t help his cause, with Exeter’s Sam Simmonds’ fine club form getting him the nod.
DID YOU KNOW? Vunipola was born in Sydney in Australia to Tongan parents
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