The Horrifying Extent Of Billy Vunipola’s Shoulder Injury Revealed

What an absolute warrior.

Saracen and England number eight Billy Vunipola was forced to withdraw from Warren Gatland’s British & Irish Lions squad yesterday evening due to an ongoing problem with his shoulder that requires attention.

The powerful forward will be a huge loss to the touring side and has been replace by England teammate James Haskell, who will link up with the squad following Saturday’s Aviva Premiership final.

The full extent of Billy Vunipola’s injury has now been revealed by teammate Schalk Brits in an interview with Sky Sports and it’s horrifying. Apparently the issue has been ongoing for quite some time and Vunipola has been forced to pop his shoulder back in place himself a number of times during some of Saracens games. Warren Gatland also revealed this was the case at today’s Lions press conference.

“I think it was pretty tough for him. He’s had this ongoing shoulder problem for the last five to six months. We knew he was being managed by Saracens and it needed an operation which was potentially going to be done this summer.” Gatland said.

“It had been popping out during games so you’ve got to respect his decision. I wasn’t going to push him. He’s got to be in the right mental frame of mind… we just have to move on.”

When you consider some of the high profile games Vunipola has played in recent weeks it truly is remarkable. You only have to look back to the Champions Cup final a couple of weeks back with Clermont, where Vunipola was named MOTM despite carrying the injury.