England international Billy Vunipola is poised to switch allegiance to Tonga for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, as older brother Mako prepares to step into a coaching role with the ‘Ikale Tahi after confirming his playing career is nearing its end.
The revelation was first reported on 20 March 2026, with Mako stating that he hopes to join Tonga’s coaching team for the tournament, while Billy is being lined up as a player under World Rugby’s three‑year stand‑down law, making him eligible in time for 2027, Ruck UK reported.
Tongan rugby officials have reportedly reached out to both brothers about formally joining the ‘Ikale Tahi programme, reflecting their long‑standing connection to the Kingdom.
Their father, Fe‘ao Vunipola, captained Tonga and represented the nation at the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups, giving their potential return deep family significance.
Mako, now in the final stages of his playing career, confirmed that he will retire at the end of the 2024–25 season and move into full‑time coaching.
The former England and British & Irish Lions prop said he had held direct discussions with Tonga head coach Tevita Tu‘ifua, with coaching the national team described as a meaningful way to give back to his heritage.
“I am very proud of my Tongan heritage… Coaching is something I would really love to help with,”
Mako told RugbyPass.
Although Tonga also approached him about playing, Mako admitted the 2027 World Cup “comes too late” for his body to endure another full international cycle.
Younger brother Billy Vunipola, who last played for England in 2023, is fully eligible to switch under World Rugby’s three‑year stand‑down rule, making him a strong candidate for selection in 2027.
Tonga officials are said to be “keen to get him involved,” and Billy’s current form in the French Top 14 has strengthened expectations he will feature in their 2027 campaign.
Mako joked that coaching his brother would not be new, saying he had “done that throughout our time together at Saracens,” but added seriously that the opportunity to contribute to Tonga’s future would be “very special.”
Emotional and cultural significance
The potential code‑switch has stirred considerable enthusiasm among Tongan fans and the wider Pacific rugby community, as the Vunipolas are among the most decorated rugby players of their generation, earning 154 England caps between them.
Their parents’ service to the Tongan community — with their mother, Rev. Iesinga Vunipola, a Methodist minister and chaplain to the UK Tongan community — has added further meaning to their move.
If finalised, Billy’s arrival as a player and Mako’s involvement in the coaching staff would significantly bolster Tonga’s preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, where the Pacific Island nation aims to field its strongest squad in decades.
The Vunipola brothers’ transition marks a major milestone in rugby’s evolving eligibility pathways — and a major boost for Tonga’s ambition to rise on the global stage.
