Vunipola could make international return in 6 Nations opener

Billy Vunipola has an opportunity to make his England return in their Six Nations opener with Italy, coach Eddie Jones has said.

Saracens number eight Vunipola missed the November internationals with a knee injury and made only two appearances for his country in 2017.

But he was named in England's training squad ahead of the Six Nations, in which England will aim to seal a third successive title, and could be in line to feature against the Azzurri on February 4 in Rome.

Vunipola is poised to make his return for Saracens against Wasps this weekend and whether he plays in the Six Nations opener will depend on how he comes through his training programme and the upcoming games for his club.

"He's a big ball-carrier, he's got skill, he's got aggression and certainly we'd like to see him play more than one Test this coming calendar year," Jones told Sky Sports News of Vunipola.

"He's got three weeks to go. He'll be with his club but he knows he's going to do a little bit extra, which I'm sure he'll do with his club and if he does that, gets through some good game time then there's an opportunity for him to play against Italy."