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Billy Vunipola draws line under homophobic comment in bid not to distract World Cup preparations

By Online Editors
Fans are concerned by Billy Vunipola's over-use (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Billy Vunipola has drawn a line under the homophobic comment made in April fearing that further discussion of his views could harm England’s World Cup bid.

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Vunipola caused a storm by posting “man was made for woman to pro create that was the goal no?” on his Instagram account in support of the view of Australia full-back Israel Folau that “hell awaits” for “homosexuals”.

The post, which resulted in a reprimand by the Rugby Football Union, remains visible but its contents are not up for debate as the number eight attempts to head off any distractions.

“We have talked about it at length, not just me, but me and the RFU and the people at Saracens,” Vunipola said.

“We came to a conclusion that this issue, that people say I brought on myself, is better off left alone.

“I have made my position clear and what I don’t want to do is become a distraction to the players around me.

“I guess, for example, if I was a boxer and it was just me that I was affecting, I would sit here and answer your question.

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“But it doesn’t just affect me. It is affects the coaching staff, the players, because they will be asked for their opinions on it.

“It is firmly what I put out there and it is firmly on me, but at the same time I don’t want to put them under the cosh by saying this, this and this because that is unfair to them.”

Despite the episode, England have opted against issuing a social media ban heading into a World Cup they are among the favourites to win.

“I definitely think social media is a positive tool to use,” Saracens forward Vunipola said.

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“The English supporters especially enjoy seeing how we go about our day to day lives and the normal things like going for a coffee – that is probably what people are most-interested in.

“You can use social media to give an insight into what we do and hopefully boost the interest.

“It’s still a positive tool and there is no restriction on it, especially from the RFU or anyone else.”

Vunipola overcame the furore created by his anti-gay remark to play a central role in the later stages of Saracens’ march towards a domestic and European double.

Much of the subsequent five-week break enforced at the end of every season was then spent in Tonga where he married his partner Simmone.

“I’m glad it’s done! The wedding was awesome and I’m obviously very happy to be married to my wife,” the powerful back row of Tongan heritage said.

“It was good to get home and good to get married, but for something that should be special it’s pretty stressful.

“My family are very demanding in terms of all the traditional things. I’ve grown up my whole life in the UK, so it was tough to get my head around that.”

PA

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Bull Shark 1 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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