#7. Billy Vunipola
Saracens’ No. 8 Vunipola, is exploring his options in Japan with his future yet to be decided.
According to The Telegraph, Vunipola is expected to stay with Saracens for the next season, forming part of a formidable back-row lineup that includes Tom Willis, Ben Earl, Theo McFarland, and Andy Christie.
However, according to The Rugby Paper, he may join former England coach Eddie Jones in Japan.
They believe that Tokyo Sungoliath, who has a longstanding consultancy agreement with Jones, is the frontrunner to secure Vunipola’s signature.
Their current No. 8, Tevita Tatafu, is set to depart for Bordeaux after this season, and Vunipola is being considered as a potential replacement.
Although Saracens coach Mark McCall recently reiterated that Vunipola is under contract for the 2023-24 season, his outlook may have changed following the signing of Willis in January.
During Eddie Jones’s tenure as England coach, Vunipola was one of his most trusted players, earning 47 caps under the Australian.
Racing 92 have also been mentioned as possible suitor for Vunipola. However, he is currently focused on recovering from a knee operation to be fit for the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup.
