Mako Vunipola has been honoured with a national sport award in England.
The accolade, in association with All Sport Insurance, is presented to the outstanding England player from the 2017/18 season as voted by the elite playing squad.
Vunipola played 462 minutes for Eddie Jones’ side and impressed with his ball carrying and tackling statistics.
“I’m so proud to be recognised with this award and thankful for the support shown by my team-mates,” he said.
“I cherish every moment I get to represent my country and for me there is no prouder moment than taking the pitch in an England shirt with my mates.”
In April Vunipola was named by Saracens in their team to face Bath despite being obliged to rest him according to an agreement between the Rugby Football Union and the Premiership.
“In a move that raises serious concerns over player welfare, Vunipola has been picked for the fourth week in a row following the Six Nations, even though the terms of the Professional Game Agreement (PGA), signed in 2016 between the RFU and the Premiership, suggest he must be given a break.”
The 27-year-old’s parents are Tongans and he was born in Wellington, New Zealand.
