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'Some say our academy isn't that good but it is and a lot of work goes into it'
Billy Vunipola is looking at the bigger picture when it comes to Saracens, rugby and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
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With all rugby postponed until at least 20th April, as well as the cancellation of social gatherings and events, the club announced players, coaches and staff would take a salary reduction until revenue-generating activity can resume.
The players have been given programmes by the strength and conditioning staff to continue their strength work and maintain fitness at home whilst social distancing from their teammates and the general public as per government advice.
Vunipola has encouraged people to stay home like the squad and insists while it may seem like a small part to play, it will aid a quick return to normality for all.
“If it’s to help the club stay afloat and alive then that’s important. There are bigger and more important things in life than rugby,” he said on the reductions.
“If you take a quick glance around the world, we are not the only ones in this situation. It’s not unique, everyone is in the same position.
“At this time, it’s essential you look after people around you by doing the right thing and stay isolated. Not going out sun bathing when the weather is nice!
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“We’ve got to sit tight and ride this out together by doing our bit for the club and society.”
Vunipola has a slightly different fitness regime to that of the wider group due to the arm he broke against Racing 92 in January and his ongoing rehabilitation.
The Sarries Number 8 remains in good spirits at home with his wife, Simmone, who is helping him with his nutrition.
“I’m trying to look after what I’m eating which helps with no restaurants or bars being open. That’s where you can lose track of what you’re doing and eating. It does help that my wife is a dietitian!
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— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 27, 2020
“It’s awesome to be married. I’m very lucky and having my wife around helps a lot. She knows I like time by myself and she’s the same.”
His recent time in isolation has also allowed for reflection. The 27-year-old admits he may not have looked after himself as well as he could have in the past and is extremely appreciative of those around him.
There is a renewed focus too; an aim to get back to full health but taking his time to do so.
“My arm has been pretty sore for a while. I wasn’t looking after it very well and it was a period of time in my life where I was naïve in terms of recovery and taking care of myself.
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— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 26, 2020
“We learn lessons by going through these times. I learned some valuable ones and hopefully I can take it into these next few weeks of isolation, look after myself and try to do as much as I can with rehab. My focus is on getting my body right and not rushing it.
“The club has always backed me when I’ve been injured and my family has always been there for me whether I’ve been a bit loose or doing things I’m not supposed to be. My family and my wife have been the bedrock every time I’ve been injured; my shoulder to cry on and lean on.”
It’s one of the reasons Vunipola has committed to staying at Saracens following the Men in Black’s relegation to the Championship.
Big @bvunipola is going to be in @Saracens colours next season rampaging around the @Champrugby via @RugbyPass @jimhamilton4 https://t.co/nT6t7qlXxj
— chris jones (@chrisjonespress) March 25, 2020
The 2020/21 campaign will be the former Wasps man’s eighth season in north London and he says the Sarries environment is also a key factor.
“It was always an easy decision for me. The Sarries environment has helped me to flourish both on and off the pitch.
“When I signed I didn’t really want to to start off with but once I joined and got stuck into it I realised why the club was so special and a huge part of it is down to the environment.
“The coaches have helped me grow and it’s given me confidence I’ve never had. We’ve had some great coaches throughout my time here and you can see how influential the club has been for them.
“Big Faz (Andy Farrell) is with Ireland, Gussy (Paul Gustard) is at Harlequins and there are other people like Vassy (Ian Vass) and (Rory) Teague at Northampton and Gloucester respectively.
“We’ve got young coaches coming through now like James Tirrell who was with the (England) Under-20s and we’re lucky to have Powelly (Adam Powell) and Kelly (Brown) too.
“Some say our Academy isn’t that good but it is and a lot of work goes into it. It’s one of the many things that makes this club great.”
Vunipola continued: “The club is quite big in terms of trophies but when we play at Allianz Park it still has the feeling of playing at a local club with your mates and that starts from the top. Nigel Wray is very accessible to everyone and doesn’t pretend to be bigger than anyone else.
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— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 25, 2020
“My family love it here and they feel part of the club as much as I do. When things do go wrong they feel it too.
“Recently we met up as a group and we reminisced about times we have spent together off the pitch and that’s testament to the environment we’re in. The trips away and times outside of rugby are always topics of conversation. When it comes to trophies and everything else, it isn’t always about winning; we enjoy each other’s company and we see that come out on the pitch.”
Saracens will ply their trade in the second tier next season which grants an opportunity for several of the club’s young prospects to develop their game with regular match practice.
For Vunipola, the lighter fixture schedule will allow for rest and a chance for his body to ‘recharge’.
“Without even thinking about international rugby, for me personally it’s an opportunity to again look after myself and my body but also help the team with performances.
“There’s not as many fixtures or big games and people will understand when I say that as currently you can go from Clermont one week to an Exeter the next which is extremely tough and everyone carries niggles.
“It’s tough going but next year is a chance to recharge and get the body to feel better.”
Comments on RugbyPass
I hope Leinster’s proud of themselves fielding a poor team. They should decide if they’re all in or not.
1 Go to commentsJordie is looking at 16 games maximum if Leinster reach both the URC and champions cup finals. Thats not guaranteed. Some of those home URC fixtures will be cakewalks as well for Leinster and there is not much doing during the 6 nations in Feb and March so he can probably get a decent rest then. He will have to really put in it for maybe 7 or 8 games max. It should be a good move for both.
13 Go to commentsThe game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
23 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
13 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
13 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
6 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
25 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
6 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
10 Go to comments