Mako Vunipola reveals Leicester call changed his retirement plans

Mako Vunipola has revealed that he intended to end his playing career before Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling persuaded him to reconsider. Speaking to BBC East Midlands Today, the former England prop said a January phone call led to discussions about joining Leicester and extending his career after two years with Vannes in France.

The 35-year-old said he had been firmly inclined towards retirement as his time in France drew towards its conclusion. Parling asked whether he would be interested in contributing at Leicester, and Vunipola described the ensuing conversations as positive for both himself and his family. He said his wife had played an important role in the decision to return to England.

The move reunites two players who represented England together more than a decade ago and toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions in 2013. Vunipola said he was encouraged by what Parling was developing at Leicester, alongside his existing knowledge of the club's history. Parling took Tigers to the Premiership semi-finals during his first season as head coach.

For Leicester, Vunipola brings experience gained through four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cup wins with Saracens. Parling said his arrival also offered a reassuring presence within a forward group that has lost prop Niki Smith to Sale Sharks and back-rower Hanro Liebenberg to the Bulls. The coach praised Vunipola's work and influence since joining, while stressing that his workload would need careful management.

With Vunipola now due to play beyond his 36th birthday, Parling said he would not expect him to appear in six consecutive matches. Vunipola, meanwhile, emphasised that leadership would have to be backed by performances. He said his priority was to play well and make a tangible contribution to Leicester, rather than rely on what he could offer through conversations away from the field.

A return to English club rugby has not brought a corresponding ambition to resume his international career. Vunipola retired from England duty before moving to France, having earned 79 caps between 2012 and 2023. Asked by the BBC about a possible reconsideration, he said an England return was not in his thoughts and that establishing himself as a Leicester player came first.