England U20 Prop to join Saracens

Bristol Rugby have confirmed that England U20 prop Mako Vunipola will be joining Saracens at the end of the 2010/11 campaign.

The 20-year old has made 33 competitive appearances, scoring 5 tries.

Vunipola has also represented England at U18s and U20s level, helping the national side to a Grand Slam in the 2011 6 Nations tournament.

Bristol Chief-executive Steve Gorvett said: “While we are sorry to see Mako go, we wish him the very best for the future and thank him for his hard work during his time at Bristol.”

Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall said,”Mako is already rated as one of
the outstanding players of his generation, and he has been actively pursued
by many Premiership clubs. We are delighted he has chosen to join Saracens,
and we look forward to helping him fulfil his immense potential, on and off
the field.”

Vunipola said, “I have enjoyed my time at Bristol, but the opportunity
to join one of the top clubs in the country is very exciting.”

“From the unity and spirit within their squad, from the unique way they
look after players and families, and from the way they are developing so many
young English players, everyone can see there is something very special happening
at Saracens and I am looking forward to being part of it.”

Vunipola is part of England’s current U20 squad and has appeared for England U18 alongside his brother Viliami, alias Billy, in 2009 and has qualified for England on residency, having been born in Wellington, New Zealand but spent 11 years in England.