Billy and Mako Vunipola: The brothers leave the Muslims

Updated 50 minutes ago

Brothers Billy and Mako Vunipola will leave Saracens at the end of the season.

Prob McCue, 33, has been with Sarez for 13 years, having arrived in 2011. His younger brother, 31, joined two years later.

They won five Premier League titles and three European Cups during their time at the club.

Saracens confirmed his departure, announcing that the number eight would be leaving “for a new challenge”.

Billy Vunipola said: “It has been an honor to represent the people and this great club, through the successes and failures I have all enjoyed – I will treasure my time here for the rest of my life.”

His brother Mako, who retired from the England national team in January after making 79 international appearances, added: “I'm grateful for everything this club has given me. I've grown up in this place and it will remain in my heart forever. Thank you.”

Mako was born in New Zealand and his brother in Australia, but both qualified to play for England on the basis of residency and won three Six Nations titles as well as the 2016 Grand Slam.

Bailey was part of the England side that reached the 2019 World Cup final and last year's semi-finals, losing to South Africa on both occasions. His brother also played in the 2019 final.

It has not yet been announced which clubs Vunipolas will join or whether they will head abroad.

They follow English team-mate Owen Farrell in leaving StoneX Stadium in the summer, with the fly-half moving to French outfit Racing 92.

All three could make their final appearance for Surrey in the Premiership final on June 8, after the club cruised into the play-offs with victory over Bristol on Saturday.

“Watching Billy develop into a world-class number eight and a thoughtful and supportive teammate has been a privilege for us all,” said Mark McCall, Saracens Director of Rugby.

“He has contributed greatly to the progress we have made as a club.

“On the field, his incredible instincts and skills, combined with his competitive spirit and physical attributes, made him a force to be reckoned with.

“Off the field, Billy was sensitive to the needs of the group and a great mentor to many of the young players.

“Mako's all-round skill set, rugby intelligence and athleticism made us – as coaches – rethink what was possible from a loose prop.

“Mako has achieved a tremendous amount in the game; three caps for the Lions, several caps for England and being pivotal to all Muslims.”