Billy Vunipola is preparing for a European final with Montpellier, but the England exile’s thoughts are far from clichéd. The 33-year-old back row opens up about proving himself in France, ruling out a switch to Tonga, and Friday’s Challenge Cup showdown with Ulster.
Proving Himself All Over Again
Vunipola moved to Montpellier in 2024 after a trophy-laden spell at Saracens, but insists it wasn’t a pension move. “I had to prove myself to every single person in the changing rooms that I wasn't here for a pay cheque,” he said. “I wasn't here to pack up my bags and enjoy the last few years of my career. It was the same noises when I left Wasps to go to Saracens. I had to knuckle down and prove to them that I was there for rugby.”
The doubts weren’t just external. “There was those doubts in my mind and I had to prove to myself almost that I can still do this. It was great to have a challenge where I was the new kid at school almost.”
After a tough first season in France, Montpellier are now second in the Top 14 and chasing their third Challenge Cup title. Vunipola says it’s a “joy” at the club. “I can still jam at 33. I thought I'd be done by now, but I still feel good. The sun helps a lot and being surrounded by young players who have just got energy all the time just makes you feel young.”
No Tonga Switch
With his England career effectively over after moving to France and a 2024 incident in Majorca, rumours swirled about a potential switch to Tonga for the 2027 World Cup. Vunipola has dismissed that. “I think always knew deep down that it wasn't on the cards. I played a lot of times for England, so it just doesn't feel right. I'm very proud to be Tongan, but at the same time, I'm very proud to be English too. To have represented England is a massive honour, and if 2023 was the last time I ever play for England then it is enough for me.”
On the RFU’s policy of not selecting overseas-based players, he added: “The rules are the rules. Changing it to a case-by-case basis would open the floodgates for everyone. I wasn't really in the team anyway, but I made my decision knowing that was the rule, I made peace with it. If they decide to change it, they change it, but I think there's enough quality within England to be successful and they have been.”
Praise for McCall and Focus on Ulster
Vunipola had warm words for Mark McCall, who is leaving Saracens after 17 years. “He had a massive influence on me as a person, but he changed my mindset. I thought that I was good, but he just challenged me every day to be better. That helped me to be more driven in searching for ways to be better and to essentially grow into the player that I could have been. Everything that happened with Saracens, I don't think would have happened if it wasn't for him.”
Now, Vunipola has the chance to win his first trophy with Montpellier in Friday’s Challenge Cup final against Ulster in Bilbao. The Irish province, missing several key players, are desperate for a win to secure Champions Cup qualification and end a 20-year trophy drought. “When we look at Ulster, we see a team that's very well organised, but also they can play in the chaos. We are very aware of the weapons that they have and the fact that it's their last game, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We know what they're going to bring in terms of their rugby, but we also know that they're willing to go deep, both physically and mentally.”