Rugby Union Today: My rugby hero and news from Saracens

David Skippers

Saracens Billy Vunipola scores during the Champions Cup Final at St James' Park, Newcastle. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday May 11, 2019. See PA story RUGBYU European. Photo credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we bring you a My rugby hero piece on Saracens back-row Billy Vunipola plus all the big news.

What’s on the site

Saracens and England number eight Vunipola is our focus today as we pay tribute to his career, in particular his performance in Sarries’ Champions Cup win over Leinster last year.

There’s also other news from Saracens, who announced their intention to furlough some of their staff and ask higher-earners to take a partial wage deferral.

Meanwhile, we also have an On this day feature in which we turn back the clock to look at Martin Johnson’s appointment as England’s team manager on April 16, 2008.

In other news

New Zealand Rugby have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association on a range of payment changes that apply predominantly to to their leading players.

Elsewhere, Northampton Saints have announced that up-and-coming duo Ollie Sleightholme and Connor Tupai have signed new contracts at Franklin’s Gardens.

What’s on social media

Plenty of classic matches to look forward to this weekend.

What’s on TV

All potential rugby union action has been postponed due to the coronavirus.