Mako Vunipola targets a third Rugby World Cup after England recall
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Saracens prop Mako Vunipola is eyeing a third Rugby World Cup appearance following his recall to the England squad.
‘I want to play at the World Cup and I haven’t shied away from that,’ said the 31-year-old told Mail Online.
‘I enjoyed the last World Cup. Obviously, we fell short, but it was one of the best campaigns I’ve been a part of with England. I want to do that again, but I also want to win the World Cup.’
Vunipola was a regular in Eddie Jones' squad since the Australian tookover as the test side's head coach in 2016 but was recalled for the first time last week after more than a year's absence, as after Eddie Jones tested other loosehead props around the Premiership.
He also started the Rugby World Cup defeat to the Springboks in Japan.
‘You always have a point to prove,’ he said. ‘I didn’t think my time was gone. At my age you can’t take it for granted. As a player your ambition is to always play at the highest level and that’s playing for England. I’ve never hid away from the fact I want to play for England.'
Since the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Mako and his brother Billy Vunipola have been linked to several moves away from Saracens with reported interest in France and New Zealand but Mako's drive to represent England again, spurred him on.
‘That’s why I wanted to stay at Saracens — one because I love the club and two because I want to put my hand up for selection constantly for England. For me to play for England I have to play in England and I’m not ready to hang my boots up yet. I’m ready to fight for my position.’
Meanwhile, Billy Vunipola remains on the outskirts of the test team but Mako says the message is clear for his brother.
‘The messages are clear. The coaches have given us things to work on,’ said Mako.
‘For him (Billy) he’s missed out this time but all he can do is play well for the club and I think he’s done that for the most part.’
