Mako Vunipola, a highly revered prop of England, retired from international rugby last Friday. His career was marked by incredible accomplishments and lasting impressions, with a relentless drive positioning him amongst the cream of the crop in the game. Although his journey was not always smooth sailing, his resilience and unwavering loyalty to the sport set him apart. Vunipola’s legacy will continue to inspire future rugby players, and his exit from international rugby symbolizes the culmination of an epoch.
Who is Mako Vunipola and why did he retire from international rugby?
Mako Vunipola is a highly revered prop of England who retired from international rugby last Friday. His career is a grand tapestry of incredible accomplishments and lasting impressions, finally coming to a graceful closure. His influence wasn’t confined to the field but extended to those around him. His lack of presence on the field will be felt, but his legacy will continue to galvanize the future lot of rugby players.
A Glorious Journey Marked By Determination
Mako Vunipola, the highly revered prop of England, announced his retirement from international rugby last Friday. His career, a grand tapestry of incredible accomplishments and lasting impressions, finally came to a graceful closure. Born to Tongan parents in New Zealand and often seen playing alongside his younger brother Billy, Vunipola’s voyage in rugby is a rich blend of varied influences. A relentless drive has positioned him amongst the cream of the crop in the game.
He broke into the international arena against Fiji in 2012, setting the stage for a shimmering career. It led to him being honoured with 79 caps for England. Notwithstanding the physical strains, the challenges, and the shortcomings, Vunipola persisted. His resilience and unwavering loyalty to the sport set him apart. In addition to his contributions to England, he also played in nine Test matches for the British and Irish Lions, further underlining his formidable talents.
Overcoming Challenges With Resilience
Vunipola’s journey to the top, however, was far from smooth sailing. He missed the World Cup last year in France due to back surgery. Yet, this stumbling block couldn’t douse his fiery spirit; he was expected to play a key role in the Six Nations tournament, set to kick off in February.
Currently serving a four-match suspension for a risky tackle while playing for Saracens against Newcastle on December 30, Vunipola’s ban was set to end just before the Six Nations. This would have made him available for England’s opening match against Italy on February 3. Steve Borthwick, England’s coach who’s currently juggling an injury crisis in the loosehead prop position, had counted on Vunipola’s participation until his surprising decision to hang up his boots.
England now grapples with injuries to their three looseheads from the World Cup – Joe Marler, Ellis Genge, and Bevan Rodd. While Genge might be fit for the Rome trip, Rodd is expected to sit out the entire tournament. Vunipola, a seasoned and flexible player, will be notably missed.
A Legacy That Will Inspire
Vunipola’s exit from international rugby signifies more than just the end of his playing days; it symbolizes the culmination of an epoch. His influence wasn’t confined to the field but extended to those around him. In a heartfelt social media message, Vunipola penned, “It’s been my pride and joy to have worn my country’s colours, but every good thing must reach its end. The moment to step aside has arrived.”
Vunipola gave a nod to the peaks and valleys of his career, expressing gratitude to those who had backed him throughout his journey. A poignant tribute to his wife Alex for handling their family and providing unwavering support brought to light the sacrifices made by athletes and their loved ones. He also expressed his indebtedness to his parents whose sacrifices paved the road to his dreams.
The retirement of Mako Vunipola offers the rugby world a moment of contemplation, an opportunity to admire the prowess and commitment of one of the sport’s finest figures. His lack of presence on the field will be felt, but his legacy will continue to galvanise the future lot of rugby players. In Vunipola’s own words, “God is good.”
1. Who is Mako Vunipola?
Mako Vunipola is a highly revered prop of England who recently retired from international rugby. He has 79 caps for England and played in nine Test matches for the British and Irish Lions.
2. Why did Mako Vunipola retire from international rugby?
Mako Vunipola retired from international rugby due to personal reasons. In a heartfelt social media message, he expressed his gratitude to those who had backed him throughout his journey and said, “The moment to step aside has arrived.”
3. What were Mako Vunipola’s accomplishments in rugby?
Mako Vunipola’s career was marked by incredible accomplishments and lasting impressions. He has 79 caps for England and played in nine Test matches for the British and Irish Lions.
4. What challenges did Mako Vunipola face in his rugby career?
Mako Vunipola faced challenges in his rugby career, including missing the 2019 World Cup due to back surgery and currently serving a four-match suspension for a risky tackle while playing for Saracens.
5. How will Mako Vunipola’s retirement impact England rugby?
Mako Vunipola’s retirement will impact England rugby as he was a seasoned and flexible player who will be notably missed. England is currently grappling with injuries to their three looseheads from the World Cup.
6. What is Mako Vunipola’s legacy in rugby?
Mako Vunipola’s legacy in rugby will continue to inspire future rugby players. His influence wasn’t confined to the field but extended to those around him, and his lack of presence on the field will be felt.
