England prop Mako Vunipola announces retirement from international rugby - ‘It’s been an honour’

England and Saracens prop Mako Vunipola has announced his retirement from international rugby.

Vunipola, 32, earned 79 caps for England and was part of a three winning Six Nations squads in 2016, 2017 and 2020.

He also featured in two World Cups in 2015 and in 2019 - the latter seeing England lose to South Africa in the final - before missing last year’s 2023 edition in France with a back injury.

“It’s been an honour to have represented my country but all good things must come to an end,” Vunipola wrote in a social media post. “The time has come to step away now. There have been lots of highs and lows.

“Would love to thank everyone who have helped me along the way.”

Vunipola, whose younger brother Billy also represents England, was born in Wellington, New Zealand but was raised in Wales and Gloucestershire.

He made his professional rugby debut for Bristol before joining Saracens in 2011 and grabbing the attention of international selectors.

The loosehead prop is renowned for his explosive ball carrying and elite scrummaging and made his international berth against Fiji in 2012.

He represented the British and Irish Lions on three occasions, playing all three Tests in the win in Australia in 2013 and in the drawn series in New Zealand four years later.

Vunipola has also won four Gallagher Premiership Rugby titles with Saracens, where he has made more than 200 appearances.

His father and uncle played for Tonga, while his cousin Taulupe Faletau has been capped by Wales and the Lions.

Vunipola last played for England in a 29-16 loss to Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in March last year, a result which wrapped up the Grand Slam for Andy Farrell’s side.

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