Viliami ‘Billy’ Vunipola (aged 26) is a professional rugby player who plays number 8 for Saracens in the Premiership and for England’s national team. He was born in Australia to Tongan parents, he qualified for England through residency. And he made his England debut in 2012 and has won 52 caps.

To be truthfully honest with you, I didn’t know that bonus points counted in the World Cup. I was just more excited that I’d scored a try. — Billy Vunipola, after his late try against Fiji in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup.

Early Life

Vunipola was born in Sydney in Australia to Tongan parents, but moved to Wales with his family as a child. He was educated at Porth Infants School and Griffithstown Junior School, and subsequently The Castle School in Thornbury England. He started playing rugby in Wales, and played alongside brother Mako for New Panteg RFC. He also played junior rugby for Thornbury RFC before winning a scholarship to attend Harrow school.

Family Relations

Vunipola’s father is former Tonga captain Fe’ao Vunipola and his mother is Methodist Minister, Rev. Iesinga Vunipola. He is the nephew of two other former international players, Manu and ‘Elisi Vunipola who both represented Tonga in the 1990s. His brother, Mako Vunipola is his teammate and plays at prop for Saracens and England.

Mako Vunipola

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Vunipola was raised for much of his childhood in Wales and attended Porth County Community School, and later West Monmouth School. He started playing rugby in Wales, and played alongside brother Billy for New Panteg RFC. Mako Vunipola (born 14 January 1991) is a professional rugby union player who plays at loosehead prop for Saracens in the Premiership and the England national team. Mako made his England debut in 2012 and has since won 52 caps. He toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, winning 6 caps.