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Mako Vunipola to join Top 14 newcomers Vannes in statement signing
By Josh Raisey
Newly promoted Top 14 outfit Vannes have announced the signing of former Saracens, England, and British & Irish Lions loosehead prop Mako Vunipola on a two-year deal, as reported by RugbyPass.
A month after beating Grenoble in the Pro D2 play-off final, the club have upped their recruitment drive by landing the 79-cap England prop a day after signing winger Filipo Nakosi.
Saracens announced that the 33-year-old would end his 13-year association with the club at the end of the season in May, and while a move to France was expected, many originally predicted that he would join his brother Billy at Montpellier.
After Montpellier maintained their status in the Top 14 with a 20-18 victory over Grenoble in the relegation play-off, next season will see the Vunipola's go head-to-head instead.
That will not be the only encounter between former Saracens players that France's top division will play host to next season, with Owen Farrell also set to join Racing 92.
After his move from Saracens was announced, Vunipola said: “I’m grateful for everything this club has given me. I’ve grown up at this place and it will be forever in my heart. Thank you.”
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall added: "Few players change how their position is played. Mako’s all-around skillset, rugby intelligence and physicality made us - as coaches - rethink what’s possible from a loosehead prop.
"Mako has achieved a phenomenal amount in the game; three Lions Tours, multiple England caps and being central to all Saracens has created.
"A good friend and dedicated family man, Mako will forever be a part of the Saracens family and we wish him, Alex, Jacob, Joshua and Grace the best for what’s ahead.”
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Latest Comments
In regards to Mack Hansen, Tuipoloto and others who talent wasnt 'seen'..
If we look at acting, soccer and cricket as examples, Hugh Jackman, the Heminsworths in acting; Keith Urban in Nashville, Mike Hussey and various cricketers who played in UK and made the Australian team; and many soccer players playing overseas.
My opinion is that perhaps the ' 'potential' or latent talent is there, but it's just below the surface.
ANd that decision, as made by Tane Edmed, Noah, Will Skelton to go overseas is the catalyst to activate the latent and bring it to the surface.
Based on my personal experience of leaving Oz and spending 14 months o/s, I was fully away from home and all usual support systems and past memories that reminded me of the past.
Ooverseas, they weren't there. I had t o survive, I could invent myself as who I wanted, and there was no one to blame but me.
It bought me alive, focused my efforts towards what I wanted and people largely accepted me for who I was and how I turned up.
So my suggestion is to make overseas scholarships for younger players and older too so they can benefit from the value offered by overseas coaching acumen, established systems, higher intensity competition which like the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, can produce more Skeltons, Arnold's, Kellaways and the like.
After the Lion's tour say, create 20 x $10,000 scholarships for players to travel and play overseas.
Set up a HECS style arrangement if necessary to recycle these funds ongoingly.
Ooverseas travel, like parenthood or difficult life situations brings out people's physical and emotional strengths in my own experiences, let's use it in rugby.
Go to commentsI agree what a load of crap! The ABs are elite sportsmen and ALL sportsmen want to challenge themselves against the best. And where better than Eden Park - some say that is our fortress. Well the ABs will relish the chance to build on that notion I am sure.
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