Latest news with #Vunipola
Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Warren Gatland didn't hold back in brutally honest remark to Mako Vunipola
Warren Gatland's man-management was famous in rugby and it proved to have the desired effect on Mako Vunipola during the British and Irish Lions tour in 2021 Warren Gatland's harsh dose of reality proved to be exactly what Mako Vunipola needed during the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour. The Saracens stalwart, who now plies his trade with French outfit Vannes, endured a torrid period leading up to that summer's expedition to South Africa. Saracens' relegation had left him battling in England's second division, while an achilles problem sidelined him from the opening round of that year's Six Nations championship. These setbacks meant the prop arrived for Lions duty lacking peak fitness. Gatland wasn't impressed with Vunipola's physical condition when he joined up with the squad ahead of their South African adventure. He wasted little time in delivering the sort of home truths that galvanise elite athletes. Despite his questionable preparation, Vunipola played a pivotal part in the Lions' thrilling 22-17 triumph over South Africa in the opening Test. His scrummaging impact after entering the fray as a substitute in Cape Town became a defining moment for the entire series. Following that victory, Gatland disclosed the frank exchange he'd had with the now 34-year-old, who called time on his international career in January 2024, prior to facing the Springboks. Gatland said: "We have been really pleased with Mako. "And I was really honest with him and just said, 'Mate, I didn't feel when you came into the squad that your fitness levels are as good as they should be for international rugby.' "He agreed with me and we have changed a bit of his scrummaging technique and him coming off the bench at the moment - he has made a huge impact. He has scrummaged exceptionally well, carries great, is a great defender and we will see what happens over the next few days." Vunipola may not have been present at the Lions' initial training camp in Jersey, but he certainly wasn't slacking, putting in the graft behind the scenes. Following Gatland's candid remarks, Vunipola shed some light on the efforts he had made to ramp up his fitness levels. He said: "Fitness is something I've always had to try and keep on top of since I started, really. It was obviously a step up, coming into the Lions camp having not been in for the first week of Jersey. "I knew that condition-wise I was in good hands with the strength and conditioning staff and the medical staff to get me to a place where I'm able to help the team. It's one of those things where there are no shortcuts, it's just hard work, extras off the field with the team around me." His sterling performance in the first test earned him a spot in the starting line-up for the second, where South Africa triumphed with a solid 27-9 scoreline. Vunipola was left out of the XV for the third test, but, much like the first, he came on as a substitute and aided the Lions in clinching a 19-16 victory. He wrapped up the tour with nine back-to-back test match appearances, marking his final stint with the Lions. In January 2024, Vunipola bid farewell to international test rugby, hanging up his boots with 79 caps for England under his belt. Throughout his illustrious career, the Kiwi-born star clinched the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam and was part of the team that made it to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
Irish Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mako Vunipola was given brutally honest reality check in harsh Lions tour moment
Warren Gatland's tough love approach had a significant impact on Mako Vunipola during the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour. The Saracens icon, who currently plays for French club Vannes, had an impressive international career, although 2021 was challenging for various reasons. The Sarries' relegation to the second tier of English rugby and an achilles injury that kept him out of the opening weekend of the 2021 Six Nations proved to be hugely challenging for the prop. Consequently, he reported for the Lions' tour of South Africa out of shape. Gatland was unimpressed with Vunipola's fitness upon joining the squad. It wasn't long before the former Wales head coach delivered a stark message any elite athlete would respond to. Having played a key part in the Lions clinching a 22-17 win over South Africa in the first test with his impactful scrummaging off the bench, Vunipola's performance proved instrumental for the tour. Gatland went on to open up about the frank exchange he had with Vunipola before the first test. He said: "We have been really pleased with Mako. "And I was really honest with him and just said, 'Mate, I didn't feel when you came into the squad that your fitness levels are as good as they should be for international rugby.' "He agreed with me and we have changed a bit of his scrummaging technique and him coming off the bench at the moment - he has made a huge impact. He has scrummaged exceptionally well, carries great, is a great defender and we will see what happens over the next few days." Vunipola retired from international rugby in January 2024 (Image: 2021 MB Media) Vunipola wasn't present at the Lions' Jersey training camp during its initial phase, but he still pursued his own conditioning drills in private. Following Gatland's frank remarks, Vunipola disclosed his efforts to enhance his physical readiness. He said: "Fitness is something I've always had to try and keep on top of since I started, really. It was obviously a step up, coming into the Lions camp having not been in for the first week of Jersey. "I knew that condition-wise I was in good hands with the strength and conditioning staff and the medical staff to get me to a place where I'm able to help the team. It's one of those things where there are no shortcuts, it's just hard work, extras off the field with the team around me." Vunipola had a huge effect from the bench in the first test in 2021 (Image: 2021 Getty Images) His stellar performance in the first test earned him a spot in the starting line-up for the second, which saw South Africa triumph with a decisive 27-9 scoreline. Vunipola was left out of the XV for the third test, but, mirroring the first match, he came on as a substitute and aided the Lions in clinching a 19-16 win. He concluded the tour with nine successive test match appearances, marking his final stint with the Lions. Vunipola bid farewell to international test rugby in January 2024, retiring with 79 caps for England under his belt. Throughout his career, the Kiwi-born star clinched the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam and was part of the team that made it to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Saracens boss McCall signs new contract
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has signed a new contract with the north London have won six Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups in an era of dominance under the Northern Men in Black finished sixth in the league last term, missing out on a top-four place on the final day of the season."I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to continue our work with a hungry, motivated group of players and high calibre staff who care deeply about the players they support," he told the club's website, external."We believe that the group has the talent and the drive to develop into a special team. I would like to thank the board for their continued support and trust."The former Ireland international joined the club as an assistant coach in 2009 and took over as director of rugby from Brendan Venter midway through the 2010-11 campaign as Saracens claimed their first Premiership title, going the entire season star players such as Maro Itoje, Billy and Mako Vunipola and Owen Farrell in their ranks, Saracens won four titles in five seasons from 2014-15 to 2018-19, and another in 2022-23, also winning the Champions Cup in 2016, 2017 and coach Joe Shaw, senior rugby coach Dan Vickers, forwards coach Ian Peel, defence coach Adam Powell and assistant coach Rob Webber have all also agreed new contracts at StoneX club have not revealed the lengths of the new deals.
BBC News
31-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Saracens discuss Farrell return with Racing
Saracens have held talks with Racing 92 about a possible return for former club captain Owen Farrell, Sarries director of rugby Mark McCall England skipper Farrell moved to the French club last summer, having spent his career to that point in north London."I think there are some discussions with Racing as to whether or not they would release him from his contract," McCall told TNT Sports after his side's final day win over are looking to recruit cover with Alex Lozowski set to be out long term due to an Achilles injury suffered at the end of club ended an inconsistent season sixth in the Premiership with their 36-26 victory over an under-strength Bath side at StoneX Stadium on was just the third time Saracens have finished outside the top four since who has 112 England caps and has represented his country in three World Cups, was one of a number of senior players to depart the club last year including Mako and Billy Vunipola. 'He can only join our list if they let him go' Farrell made 256 appearances in a trophy-laden career in north London, winning six Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups - including the double in 2015-16 and last match for the club was a 22-20 defeat to eventual champions Northampton Saints in last season's has made 17 appearances for Racing this season as he has dealt with injuries and form."When Alex [Lozowski] got his injury up at Leicester, you are allowed to bring in an injury dispensation for that player because he's [going to be] out for such a long time," McCall said."We need to bring someone in in his position and someone who we can afford in this position, who's going to get a smaller salary than that player."We compile a list and as far as I know Owen's contracted to Racing, so he can only join that list if they are prepared to let him go."
