“I try to lead by my actions and not by my voice”, Mako Vunipola appreciates his role at RC Vannes

A few months after your arrival, how do you feel in Vannes?

The boys welcomed me with open arms. My family and I are settling into the city. When it comes to rugby, it’s a little different. It took me a little time to get used to and experience a new environment. So there is a break-in period. But I’m enjoying my time, new experiences and whatever I can get.

What are the main differences you notice between the two types of rugby?

There’s probably a bit more structure in the Premiership. But in the Top 14, anything can happen. Players can make something out of nothing. And this weekend we’re playing a team that’s probably one of the best at it. She can score tries from her own goal line. She is very dangerous. All teams have two or three players like that. It’s something I had to get used to and try to catch up with.

However, on the pitch, you are already one of the leaders of the team.

Yes, I feel like the reason I’m here, the reason I was brought to the club, is to hopefully share some of the experiences that I can bring. I tried to do it as much as possible. But, I also try to learn myself. Like I said, the players and coaches have been great to me, giving me time to adapt and helping me as much as possible. On the pitch, I try to help them as much as possible. And the boys were great with asking questions.

Do you like being a kind of big brother?

No, there is no big brother. Although, of course, players ask questions and I try to help them as much as possible. But, it’s something I’ve already done at Saracens in England. Where I have difficulty is obviously the language barrier. This is something I hope to improve on. But yes, I really enjoy my role. I try to lead with my actions and not with my voice. So it’s a little different from what I’m used to. But it’s also something I enjoy because it’s a different role and a different adventure.

Why did you choose Vannes?

I wanted to experience something new. I felt like I had reached the ceiling of what I could do in England. It was now or never. The opportunity presented itself very late. And I saw an opportunity there. It’s a club that’s trying to grow, not just in French rugby, but also in the Top 14. It’s something that I’m passionate about and that I wanted to be a part of and help as much as possible. And it was easy. My wife just wanted to go somewhere where it would be fairly easy for her and the kids to get home (to England). It’s an hour’s flight from here and it’s also easy to drive there.

Do you think you will end your career in Vannes?

It’s day by day, depending on how I feel. For now, I feel like I can still help the team. As soon as I no longer feel able to contribute, I should consider retiring, whether here or at home. I am 33 years old today and I will be 35 at the end of my stay in Vannes. So maybe, nothing is ruled out. But I know that as long as I am able to train and play at a high level, I will try to play as long as possible. I don’t know yet if it will be here, in France, or at home. But what I know is that as far as France is concerned, I don’t see myself leaving for another club. It’s too hard to move the children and it’s also quite a difficult process when you’re English in France.