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Vunipola family reunion on the cards at Montpellier
By Neil Fissler
Manu Vunipola has held talks about joining his cousin Billy at Montpellier when his contract with Japan Rugby League One outfit Mie Honda Heat runs out at the end of the season.
Montpellier are looking at their options with Argentine international Domingo Miotti, who is in the final months of his contract yet to agree a new deal with the club.
Miotti, 29, who has won nine Test caps, has scored 184 points in 16 games this season, helping Les Bleu et Blanc into fourth place in the Top 14 standings, three points behind second-placed Pau.
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The former Jaguares, Western Force and Glasgow Warriors ace, who joined Montpellier from Oyonnax at the start of last season, has suffered from injuries, so the club are starting to look at their options.
Auckland-born Vunipola, 25, a former England under-20 international, who was a team-mate of his cousins at Saracens before he moved to Japan, and they left for France.
Mako, who was 35 last month, is playing for the Pro D2 leaders Vannes, hoping to get them promoted back into the top flight at the first time of asking, while Billy is enjoying a renaissance at the Septeo Stadium.
Vunipola’s CV had been floating around Gallagher PREM clubs, and he is weighing up his options ahead of his next move, which could be to the Top 14.
He started the Heat’s first four games of the season, which all ended in defeat, and his last three appearances have come off the bench on the wing, full-back and centre, with Dawid Kellerman starting as playmaker.
But it is by no means a done deal, with Montpellier also looking at Paolo Garbisi, who faces an uncertain future with Toulon and has attracted interest from rival clubs.
Midi Olympique have said that Toulon could release Italian international Garbisi, 25, which could open the door for Montpellier to keep him in France if they don’t opt for Vunipola.
