Mako Vunipola Joins Top 14’s Vannes After Saracens Stint

Mako Vunipola, former England prop, has signed a two-year contract with newly promoted French Top 14 club Vannes, following his departure from Saracens at the end of last season. During his illustrious 13-year tenure at Sarries, Vunipola clinched four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups, solidifying his status as a stalwart of English rugby. Vannes hailed Vunipola as a “real legend of English rugby” as he embarks on his first venture playing abroad in the highly competitive Top 14 league.

The move marks a new chapter for the 33-year-old, who retired from international rugby in January after earning 79 caps and featuring in two Rugby World Cups, including the 2019 final against South Africa. Joining a cohort of former England teammates in France, Mako Vunipola follows in the footsteps of fellow 2019 World Cup finalists Owen Farrell, now at Racing 92, Courtney Lawes at Brive, Manu Tuilagi heading to Bayonne, and Jonny May joining Soyaux-Angouleme.

Others like Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam have also opted for French clubs, further enriching the Top 14 with their talent and experience. This migration reflects a growing trend among English players who, after the 2023 World Cup are increasingly seeking new challenges abroad. Their moves not only diversify their careers but also contribute to the competitive landscape of European rugby.