Rugby World Cup 2027: After 13 hugely successful years at Saracens, Mako Vunipola felt the time was right for a change. By then, his trophy cabinet was already overflowing, and his career résumé spoke for itself. 79 England caps, nine appearances for the British & Irish Lions, and a reputation as one of the most reliable loosehead props of his generation.
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What he lacked was a fresh challenge, something that would push him outside his comfort zone. That challenge came in the form of a move to France with Vannes, a club that had just been promoted to the Top 14.
It was a bold decision. Leaving behind a familiar environment and a dominant club structure. Vunipola instead chose a young side, trying to carve out its own place in French rugby. While the move did not ultimately prevent relegation. It gave him exactly what he was looking for: a new experience, new perspectives, and a different way of looking at the game.
Now in his second season in France, Vunipola is playing in Pro D2 following Vannes’ drop from the Top 14. At 34, he is also beginning to think seriously about life after playing. His current contract runs until the end of this season, and once that finishes, he plans to take stock.
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Rugby World Cup: Vunipola’s Coaching Ambitions
One thing is certain: he wants to stay involved in rugby. The only question is how. Coaching is firmly on his mind. Recently, Vunipola spent time shadowing the Tonga national team coaches during their tour of Scotland, using the opportunity to learn and observe rather than lead.
For him, coaching is not just about one position or one narrow role. He wants to understand the game as a whole, rather than being boxed in as a specialist. Learning, watching, and gradually figuring out where he fits best feels like the right approach.
Life in Brittany, he says, has been a pleasant surprise. The region itself is beautiful, with a climate not too dissimilar from home. Summers are warm and enjoyable, while winters are wet and grey enough to feel familiar to anyone who has spent years playing rugby in England. Off the field, the lifestyle has been easy to adapt to, and the environment has helped make the transition smoother.
There is still a small part of Vunipola that wonders whether his body might allow him to play on for another year. With the dream of representing Tonga at a World Cup lingering in the background. Pulling on the jersey of his heritage would be a huge honour, particularly given his family roots.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Building Something, Not Just Joining It
For now, though, he is realistic. He knows these decisions cannot be rushed and will depend on how he feels physically as the season progresses. His decision to join Vannes was driven by more than just a desire to play in France.
He was drawn to the idea of helping a young club grow and establish itself, much like Exeter Chiefs did after their own promotion years ago. Vunipola believed his experience could be valuable, both on and off the pitch, as the club tried to find stability at the highest level.
That sense of contributing to something being built, rather than simply joining an established giant, played a big role in his choice. One of the standout moments of his time in France came when he scored a try against Toulouse.
At the time, he did not fully appreciate its significance. Joining a new team meant learning new systems, understanding different personalities, and adjusting to the pressures that come with facing elite European opposition.
Against a club as powerful as Toulouse, the odds were always stacked against Vannes, but the experience proved valuable. As the season went on, those tough matches became lessons that helped the team grow. Culturally, Brittany has also left a strong impression. Vunipola admits he did not initially realise the depth of the region’s Gaelic roots.
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