Mako Vunipola: Saracens prop seeks World Cup spot after surprise England selection

Stan Wilson

Saracens prop Mako Vunipola is back with England again after over a year since his last selection for Eddie Jones’ side, with a burning desire to play at the next Rugby World Cup in France.

Jones has rewarded the front-rower’s fine form in the Premiership, refusing to write the aging player out of contention for a spot despite obvious strength in the loosehead position.

Vunipola will be competing with Leicester captain Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd and possibly Joe Marler – should he return to the set-up for the tour to Australia.

Prolonged time away from the international scene has far from killed the Saracens player’s ambition, with the older of the Vunipola brothers set on a ticket to France next year.

One last World Cup

“I want to play at the World Cup and I haven’t shied away from that,” the 31-year-old prop told reporters.

“I enjoyed the last World Cup. Obviously we fell short, but it was one of the best campaigns I’ve been a part of with England. I want to do that again, but I also want to win the World Cup.”

10 years on from his England debut, Vunipola has found his way back into Jones’ favour after being denied a spot in both the November and Six Nations squads, despite playing in all three Lions Tests last summer.

“You always have a point to prove,” he said. “I didn’t think my time was gone. At my age you can’t take it for granted. As a player your ambition is to always play at the highest level and that’s playing for England. I’ve never hid away from the fact I want to play for England.

“That’s why I wanted to stay at Saracens — one because I love the club and two because I want to put my hand up for selection constantly for England. For me to play for England I have to play in England and I’m not ready to hang my boots up yet. I’m ready to fight for my position.”

Genge and Marler have locked up the loosehead position in Vunipola’s absence but, after a dire Six Nations campaign, Vunipola’s presence may help steady the ship going into the World Cup.

With the tour to Australia drawing closer and the World Cup on England’s horizon, the returning prop’s priorities lie with Saracens for now as they look to mark their Premiership return with a possible trophy.

“The focus is on playing well for Saracens and working on what the coaches have wanted me to work on, which they’ve been clear and honest about,” said Vunipola.

“It’s up to me to get out there and put my best foot forward — that’s all I can do.”

A home play-off fixture is in the bag for Saracens after a win over Northampton at the weekend locked in a top two finish.

The next round will see Vunipola’s side travel to Kingsholm for a chance at first place – should Leicester lose against Wasps.

“If you’d told me we’d finish in the top two I’d have bit your hand off. Having had the year we had last year and coming back in with a new squad there was a lot of experience we lost,” Vunipola added.

“When you put 40 points on a team as good as Northampton, it’s a good thing when you know there is more out there.”

READ MORE: Eddie Jones: England boss speaks exclusively to Planet Rugby

 

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Eddie Jones delighted with England squad

England boss Eddie Jones believes this is the best squad he's had since the World Cup.