Billy Vunipola spoke in the Times: he talks about the reasons for his arrival in Montpellier and the pleasure of having found the pressure of the result, the possibility of joining Tonga or even his conviction in Majorca last April.
Billy Vunipola was one of the star recruits of the last offseason. The MHR recorded the arrival of the English international, signing one of the best moves among the Top 14 clubs. The powerful number 8 has also made his mark, offering great outings for the eight matches (over eight days) he played. A choice that he does not regret, as indicated to our colleagues at Times : “I found my level of play where I left it. I carry the ball 18 to 20 times per match because I have to, we have to win. I often say to myself: “I have to be there or I’m letting my team down.” The risk of being relegated is awesome. I enjoy that aspect of having to chase wins, not performances.”
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This is one of the main reasons for his arrival in Héraultwith financial participation in his father's law studies: “Winning sometimes wasn't enough. We were so successful that we actually suffered from itexplains the man who spent eleven seasons with Saracens. There was always this feeling of frustration, “we could have done better”. And our operation lasted so long that we knew in advance everything that was going to be done during the coming day. I wanted to break that cycle.”
I don't want to give Tonga “the leftovers”
In Montpellier, Billy Vunipola discovered a club saved by two small points in the elite during the accession match (won against Grenoble) at the end of the season. “It's not to blame Saracens, but there was never that pressure of having to win a match at all costs. That's what I came for.”
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Top 14 – Billy Vunipola (Montpellier): “Being under pressure brings out the best in me”
His two-year contract in Montpellier keeps him away from the English selection. But by waiting three years (his last selection dates back to the World Cup semi-final lost to the Springboks), he could represent Tonga, his second sporting nationality, notably for the 2027 World Cup. But that is not in his idea: “I've made my decision. If England don't select me, I don't want to give Tonga “the remains”. I support England with all my heart.”
I made a stupid mistake
Still in the British daily, Billy Vunipola opens up about his difficulties with alcohol and the affairs it caused him. The latest took place in Majorca last April. The England international (31 years old, 74 caps), drunk, out of control and half naked, attacked the staff of the Epic Bar in Palma. Urging him – in vain – to leave the premises, the same staff had to call the local police at 4:30 a.m., who were forced to taser him twice to put him on the ground. “I’m not a fighter by nature.”he said, brushing aside rumors of conflict with the police (he allegedly threatened them with chairs and bottles). He ended up being sentenced to a four-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of €240 for insulting an officer and being drunk in a public space. “I let myself down, and I let my team downhe regrets, six months later. I made a stupid mistake. And this arrest is completely my fault. Obviously I'm not proud of myself but no one is perfect.”
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