- Vunipola suspended, may return
- Injuries in England’s props
- Praise for Slade’s performance
England and Saracens prop Mako Vunipola was dismissed against Newcastle on Saturday and subsequently received a four-match suspension. Vunipola was dismissed in the dying moments of the Premier League match for a hazardous challenge on Bryan Byrne, the hooker for Newcastle. He will be absent from Saracens’ Champions Cup matches against Bordeaux-Begles and Lyon, as well as their Premiership matches against Leicester and Exeter.
Steve Borthwick may recall Vunipola for England’s Six Nations opener against Italy on 3 February in Rome. Vunipola will be available for that match. Considering the injuries sustained by England’s loosehead props Ellis Genge, Joe Marler, and Bevan Rodd, that information may prove opportune.
The case against Vunipola was deliberated by an impartial disciplinary tribunal. “The player acknowledged committing a foul, but not one severe enough to warrant a red card,” the Rugby Football Union stated. “The charge was upheld by the panel, and Vunipola was suspended for four matches.” He is no longer eligible to participate in the coaching intervention programme of World Rugby, as it concluded in 2022.
Vunipola’s Suspension Impact & Slade’s Remarkable Performance
Had Vunipola not completed that programme previously, he might have been eligible to apply at this time and anticipated having one game deducted from his suspension.
Henry Slade’s performance this season has impressed Exeter’s rugby director Rob Baxter, who predicts an England recall. Borthwick caused a significant selection shock by omitting Slade, who has amassed 56 caps, from his World Cup squad last summer. However, Slade has responded admirably, leading Exeter to a second-place finish in the Premier League standings prior to Saturday’s matchup at Sandy Park with league champions Northampton. He leads the Premier League in points this season and is crucial on and off the pitch.
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Baxter said, “I am certain that Henry is present and involved in that regard.” Borthwick will announce his Six Nations team this month. Several centres are performing admirably, but I have no doubt that he will remain in the equation. Therefore, it is critical that he maintains the calibre of play he is currently exhibiting.
“In the coming weeks, he will deliver a number of outstanding performances. This Saturday’s top-of-the-table match against Northampton is an enormous opportunity for that, and the following two weeks are European Cup rugby. There are significant opportunities for Sladey to establish himself, and I have no doubt that he will seize each one.”
