Billy Vunipola’s season has ended due to a knee injury he sustained in Sunday’s Champions Cup loss to La Rochelle. Vunipola will miss the last three games of the regular season, the home semi-final, and the Twickenham final if the Premiership leaders reach that stage.
It is also a blow to his prospects of returning to England in time for the World Cup in the fall, and he will not be given a timeline for his recovery until Thursday when the surgery has been completed.
In the first half of the quarterfinal at Stade Marcel-Deflandre, Vunipola was injured while transporting the ball and had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher. A scan has disclosed the extent of the damage, depriving the Saracens of their most destructive ball carrier.
Vunipola’s form, coupled with Alex Dombrandt’s failure to impress in the No. 8 jersey, increased the likelihood of an England comeback as the World Cup approaches. Sam Warburton, the former captain of Wales and the British and Irish Lions, recently stated that Vunipola should be reinstated to the back row for the tournament due to his ball-carrying ability.
The 30-year-old has been denied any further opportunities to press his claim on the field. Even if he heals in time for September, he may be at conflict with England head coach Steve Borthwick.
Meanwhile, Jack Willis has signed a three-year contract with Toulouse, casting doubt on his future with England. Willis made his Top 14 switch permanent after excelling with the French giants when Wasps went into administration in October.
“It’s official – our English back row will remain at the Stadium and commit for three new seasons (with an option for two more). Thus, he is a part of the club’s 2027 trajectory, as stated by the Toulouse statement.
RFU regulations state that players based abroad are ineligible for selection, but a special case has been made for players forced to relocate by the collapse of Wasps and Worcester, until the World Cup, after which those based abroad will once again be ineligible.
The 26-year-old will test the RFU and Premiership Rugby’s commitment to the rule by staying at Toulouse.
Willis expressed optimism that a solution could be found that would allow him to resume his England career last month. “There are numerous avenues to investigate,” he said. “The positive aspect for me is that it appears that this topic is at least being discussed.” Steve’s support and labor with Toulouse throughout this Six Nations tournament have been outstanding. In addition to their brilliance, Toulouse has demonstrated how smooth this procedure can be.”
After this season, Chris Ashton will retire from international rugby. While Willis investigates ways to extend his England career, Ashton has announced his retirement. Ashton’s 18-year rugby league career will end at Leicester, where he joined midway through the previous season.
The 36-year-old will retire with the Premiership (98) and Heineken Champions Cup (41) try records.
“I’ve just felt this season that my body is no longer capable of doing what I want,” Ashton said. “I’m still enjoying the game and being around the team and the game every day. But if I’m unable to maintain the standards I’ve set for myself, it’s time for me to retire.”
