Positive return for Vunipola

Editor

GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Saracens prop Mako Vunipola in action during the Aviva Premiership match between Gloucester Rugby and Saracens at Kingsholm Stadium on February 17, 2017 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Saracens boss Mark McCall was pleased with the performance of prop Mako Vunipola, who returned from injury against Gloucester.

Vunipola, who has been out for nine weeks with a knee injury, got 70 minutes under his belt in Friday’s 31-23 loss to the Cherry and Whites.

When asked about the loosehead’s showing, McCall said the signs looked positive with a Six Nations meeting with Italy around the corner.

“We had an open mind as to how he was going to go,” he told Press Association Sport.

“He felt pretty good. I thought he did well, given he’s been out for eight or nine weeks. Overall, I thought he was pretty decent.

“I am assuming he is going to play against Italy in some form, and I think the game-time he got tonight will have been important for him.”

There was also positive news on Mako’s brother, Billy Vunipola, who is nearing his own return from a knee injury he suffered in November.

“Billy is going very well,” added McCall.

“He is definitely ahead of schedule, and it will depend how the next week or so goes regarding when he comes back.”