Mako Vunipola has held talks about joining Billy at Montpellier

Mako Vunipola has held talks about joining his younger brother Billy in Montpellier when his contract with Gallagher Premiership champions Saracens runs out at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old prop, who missed the Rugby World Cup earlier this season because of a back injury, retired from international rugby in January after winning 79 England caps and playing nine times for the British and Irish Lions.

Saracens boss Mark McCall admitted last week that the New Zealand-born loosehead would likely join his brother in leaving North London this summer, representing the end of an era as the Vunipola brothers would join former England captain Owen Farrell in leaving.

“I don’t want to talk without them having completely finalised their plans. It wouldn’t be fair given what they have done for the club, but they are coming towards the end of their time with us,” said McCall.

Educated at the prestigious Millfield School, Vunipola has made over 200 appearances for Saracens. He joined their senior academy in 2011 after making his professional debut with Bristol.

The loosehead has spoken to Montpelier about moving across the channel but hasn’t reached any agreement as he weighs up moving his young family to the Mediterranean coast.

Vunipola has attracted interest from Super Rugby Pacific franchises and clubs in Japan in the past but is seemingly likely to head to France for what will likely be the last couple of years of his career.

Billy Vunipola last week agreed to a two-year deal with Montpellier that was nearly hijacked by a late offer from the southern hemisphere.

An Australian Super Rugby franchise made a late bid to snatch the 31-year-old No8, who was born in Sydney, from under the noses of Montpellier, but his deal to switch to the Top 14 was already agreed.