Billy and Mako Vunipola join Owen Farrell in leaving Saracens at end of season, Jonny May departs from Gloucester
Published 15/05/2024 at 16:08 GMT+1
Saracens will lose two more club legends this summer as Billy and Mako Vunipola are set to depart. The England internationals will follow Owen Farrell in leaving the club. The pair have made a total of 423 appearances and won five Premiership trophies and three European titles with Sarries. It has not been confirmed where the duo, who won 152 England caps between them, will move after Saracens.
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Billy and Mako Vunipola will leave Saracens at the end of the season with both having spent over a decade with the club.
Mako, 33, joined the side in 2011 and has notched up 229 appearances. Billy, 31, joined in 2013 and has 194 appearances to his name. The duo has been central to Saracens' success over the last decade, winning five Premiership titles and three European trophies together.
Mako won 79 caps for England since making his debut in late 2012 while Billy earned 75 after debuting in 2013, both winning three Six Nations titles and one Grand Slam.
Manu Vunipola, their younger cousin, has also confirmed he will be leaving Saracens at the end of the campaign after making 77 appearances at 24 years old.
“It’s been an honour to represent the people and this great club, through the highs and lows I’ve enjoyed it all,” Billy said.
“I will treasure my time here for the rest of my life!”
Mako added: “I’m grateful for everything this club has given me. I’ve grown up at this place and it will be forever in my heart. Thank you.”
The younger of the two was recently given a formal warning by the Rugby Football Union after being arrested in Majorca last month.
While Mako joined Saracens' academy, Billy moved to the club from Wasps in 2013 and they now join club legend Owen Farrell in leaving Sarries in the summer.
Farrell is set to join French side Racing 92, while it has not yet been confirmed where the Vunipolas will be heading. The three departures mark the end of an era for the London club.
“To watch Billy develop into a world-class No. 8 and a thoughtful, supportive team-mate has been a privilege for us all," said Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall.
"He has contributed enormously to the progress we have made as a club.
"On the field his intuition and amazing skill set, combined with his competitive spirit and physical attributes, made him a force to be reckoned with.
"Off the field, Billy was sensitive to the needs of the group and a fantastic mentor to many younger players."
On Mako, McCall was equally as glittering in his praise, saying: "Few players change how their position is played. Mako’s all-around skillset, rugby intelligence and physicality made us - as coaches - rethink what’s possible from a loosehead prop.
"Mako has achieved a phenomenal amount in the game; three Lions Tours, multiple England caps and being central to all Saracens has created.
"A good friend and dedicated family man, Mako will forever be a part of the Saracens family and we wish him, Alex, Jacob, Joshua and Grace the best for what’s ahead.”
Manu joined the club's academy at a young age and added: "I started as a young 14-year-old in the academy and can proudly say I’ve played a senior game for this team which was always a dream of mine."
The Vunipola trio could sign off with silverware as Saracens have secured their Gallagher Premiership semi-final place.
They will confirm home advantage by beating play-off chasing Sale on the final day this weekend while a draw will also be enough if Bath do not beat Northampton.
'tRUE lEGEND' May to leave Gloucester AT SEASON'S END
Gloucester Rugby also confirmed on Tuesday that Jonny May will leave the club at the end of the current season.
May, 34, made his first-team debut for the Cherry & Whites in a friendly against Bath in 2009 and has since made 191 appearances, separated by a three-year stint at Leicester Tigers between 2017 and 2020.
The winger has scored 73 tries across his two spells on his way to becoming one of world rugby's most lethal finishers.
May racked up 36 tries in 77 tests for England, becoming their second highest-ever test try scorer.
Director of rugby for Gloucester, George Skivington, said: “There’s no doubt that Jonny leaves as a true legend of Gloucester Rugby.
“He’ll be remembered here for his countless tries, his finishing ability and raw speed which was second to none.
“But what people from the outside don’t see is the hard work and attention to detail that Jonny puts in behind the scenes to make himself one of the best try scorers in the world.
“We’ve got some exciting young wingers coming through, that have learnt a lot from Jonny, and we're excited to see how they develop in the future."
Quins move for Montpellier prop Lamositele
Harlequins have bolstered their squad with the acquisition of former Saracens prop Titi Lamositele.
The Samoa international's arrival follows the news of Will Collier's departure at the end of the season, as the England prop eyes "a new challenge and adventure" in the French Top 14.
Lamositele, who won three Premiership titles alongside three European Champions Cups with Saracens, will join Quins next season after a four-year stint at Montpellier, where he helped his side to the Challenge Cup trophy in 2021 and the Top 14 title in the 21-22 season.
“I’m excited to be joining Quins," he told the club's official website. "I’ve been impressed with the rugby they have played this season, and I can’t wait to return to the Premiership and link up with my new teammates.
"I’ve enjoyed my time in France but I’m excited for this new chapter and I can’t wait to pull on the Quarters and play in front of a packed Quins crowd.”
Lamositele earned 32 Test caps for the United States before changing his international allegiance to Samoa in 2023, where he has since been capped.
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