Billy Vunipola: Former Saracens number eight in ‘better shape’ after Montpellier move
Montpellier number eight Billy Vunipola says he is in “better shape” than he was for Saracens and England over the past two or three seasons.
Vunipola, 31, moved to the French Top 14 side this summer, ending an 11-year stint with Saracens.
The move stops him adding to his 75 international caps because the Rugby Football Union does not allow players based abroad to be selected for England.
“I’m probably in better shape than I’ve ever been in the last two or three years,” Vunipola, who struggled with injuries during his final few seasons in England, told Rugbyrama, external.
“This is not due to my previous club, it is me who is responsible. Like I said, when I got here and discovered the environment, I just had to make do. I really enjoyed the challenges it gave me.”
Vunipola, who first played for his country in 2013 against Argentina, won his last cap off the bench in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa last year.
He played the majority of his international and club career with his brother Mako, with Saturday’s 26-24 victory over Vannes, his brother’s new side, a “strange” moment for the pair.
“I think the distance has brought us closer, knowing that he’s not there all the time,” added Billy Vunipola.
“As a result, we enjoy these moments together much more. It’s not that I didn’t like it, but you get used to it after 10 or 11 years.
“It was very nice to see him, but it was very difficult to play against him. I wouldn’t say I was trying to avoid him, but let’s say I wasn’t really trying to attack him.”
