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Mako Vunipola: Former England and Saracens prop agrees to join French Top 14 side Vannes on two-year contract
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Updated 02/07/2024 at 21:34 GMT+1
England players making the switch to Top 14 rugby union sides in France have been many of late, and former England and Saracens prop Mako Vunipola is the latest big-name star to take the plunge. The 33-year-old will turn out for newly-promoted Vannes, after he agreed a two-year contract. Vunipola retired from the England national team in January, having won 79 caps.
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Former England prop Mako Vunipola has agreed to join French Top 14 side Vannes on a two-year contract.
Vannes were promoted at the end of last season and are looking to strengthen as they bid for survival in their next campaign.
Mako and his brother, Billy, left Saracens this summer, with the former playing 13 years for the club, collecting four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cup.
"A real legend of English rugby," Vannes said as they announced the signing in a statement.
"By committing to Vannes, Mako Vunipola will have his first experience of playing abroad and will discover the Top 14."
Vunipola retired from international rugby in January after winning 79 caps, missing the 2023 World Cup with a back problem.
He is far from the only experienced player from England making the trip across the channel in the later stages of his career.
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Owen Farrell has joined Racing 92, while Courtney Lawes is moving to Brive. Manu Tuilagi will turn out for Bayonne, and Jonny May has signed for Soyaux-Angouleme, while Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam are at French giants Toulon, with other players also in demand.
Jack Willis is already at Toulouse, while Stade Francais and Racing 92 already boast Joe Marchant and Henry Arundell, respectively.
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