England boss ‘impressed’ with Billy Vunipola as he weighs up back-row

Veteran Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola has impressed England coach Steve Borthwick as the competition for the starting jersey heats up.

The 30-year-old has played 68 times for England but was overlooked for Borthwick’s maiden Six Nations campaign.

However, he forced his way back into the squad to begin preparations for the Rugby World Cup. 

‘Hold me back’

Vunipola is still recovering from the surgery needed to repair knee damage sustained against La Rochelle in April, but he is expected to be available in time for the four warm-up Tests in August.

“Billy tells me he’s just about ready to go now. He said, ‘Hold me back right now!’ He’s doing really well,” Borthwick said.

“I’ve been impressed by not only how hard he’s working when he’s training and rehabbing but everything he’s doing away from that as well.

“He’s certainly part of our plans as we go forward, and I’m looking forward to the point when Billy is back on the grass.”

Borthwick omitted Vunipola in his first squad after replacing Eddie Jones amid speculation that the two were not on talking terms because of a fallout during the 2019 World Cup.

“Billy and I met in January, and we spoke over the phone in January. In the Six Nations, we spoke a couple of times. Since the Six Nations, I’ve met with him a couple of times,” Borthwick said.

“He’s been an important player for England for a number of seasons, and he has the potential to be an important player for England going forward.”

Sam Simmonds

Vunipola adds to Borthwick’s options at number, but a surprise absentee from the 28-player squad – which did not include the players who featured in the Premiership semi-finals – was Sam Simmonds, who is set to join Top 14 club Montpellier next season. 

He was expected to provide competition for Alex Dombrandt, Vunipola and Zach Mercer, but discussions with Borthwick and Simmonds made it clear he would not be available for the World Cup for reasons that have not been made public.

“Sam talked to me about the discussions he had with this family and what he was doing, and I respect that,” the England boss explained.

“He spoke about personal circumstances, a personal situation, and then how he thought and came to this decision.

“Every player is within their rights to make the best decisions for their circumstances.”

Zach Mercer

Simmonds replaces Mercer at Montpellier next season, with the latter returning from Premiership side Gloucester after two years across the Channel. 

The 25-year-old is set to add to his two Test caps for England, and Borthwick has spoken highly of the talented number eight who shone during his spell in France. 

“Zach’s point of difference quite clearly is the way he finds space and carries through big defenders,” Borthwick said.

“We’re all the sum of our experiences, and Zach’s gone and played in France, and he’s developed and learned from that.

“He’s more experienced, has played with different players and took on leadership responsibilities at Montpellier as well. I sense a guy who has grown.”

READ MORE: All the training squads announced so far ahead of the Rugby World Cup