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Leicester have their say about possibly facing coronavirus concern Mako Vunipola
By Online Editors
Leicester Tigers insist they would have “no issues” with Saracens if they decide to pick Mako Vunipola for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership match between the teams despite England’s decision to ban the loosehead prop from their Pennyhill Park training base due to concerns over coronavirus.
Vunipola and younger brother Billy recently flew back from Tonga where they were visiting a sick relative and spent a short period in Hong Kong’s international airport, triggering a reaction from England’s medical experts.
Despite Vunipola being chosen by Eddie Jones in a 34-man squad due to start training last Monday to face Wales this Saturday, the medics insisted the player could not be allowed to join up with the squad.
His club Saracens, though, have taken a very different stance and it means that instead of helping England in the Six Nations championship, the British and Irish Lions Test series prop will be on duty at Allianz Park against the Tigers.
A Leicester Tigers spokesman told RugbyPass: “Leicester Tigers have no issues with the situation regarding Mako Vunipola and, like all clubs, will follow any directive received from Premiership Rugby and its medical advisors.”
(Continue reading below...)
The confusing Mako Vunipola fallout
Saracens are adamant they are following the correct protocols with Vunipola and his brother who is currently out of action and recovering from a fourth arm break.
Having defended their approach regarding the handling of the Vunipola brothers with a statement issued on Wednesday morning, they released a Thursday update about future home games this season, including their use of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the end of March league clash with London rivals Harlequins.
The statement read: “Saracens is monitoring the ongoing global outbreak of coronavirus, also known as covid-19, and decisions regarding the fulfilment of fixtures will be made with the safety of spectators, teams, officials and broadcast partners at the forefront.
“The club is in active dialogue with Premiership Rugby who are in turn receiving advice from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England.
“At present, all matches hosted by Saracens at Allianz Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are proceeding as planned. Should the situation change fans will be advised through Club channels including e-mail, website and social media.”
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Latest Comments
It is if he thinks he’s got hold of the ball and there is at least one other player between him and the ball carrier, which is why he has to reach around and over their heads. Not a deliberate action for me.
Go to commentsI understand, but England 30 years ago were a set piece focused kick heavy team not big on using backs.
Same as now.
South African sides from any period will have a big bunch of forwards smashing it up and a first five booting everything in their own half.
NZ until recently rarely if ever scrummed for penalties; the scrum is to attack from, broken play, not structured is what we’re after.
Same as now.
These are ways of playing very ingrained into the culture.
If you were in an English club team and were off to Fiji for a game against a club team you’d never heard of and had no footage of, how would you prepare?
For a forward dominated grind or would you assume they will throw the ball about because they are Fijian?
A Fiji way. An English way.
An Australian way depends on who you’ve scraped together that hasn’t been picked off by AFL or NRL, and that changes from generation to generation a lot of the time.
Actually, maybe that is their style. In fact, yes they have a style.
Nevermind. Fuggit I’ve typed it all out now.
Go to comments