Key Facts
| Squad | London Wasps |
|---|
| Position | Flanker/No. 8 |
|---|
| Age | 19 |
|---|
| Height | 1.88m (6'2") |
|---|
| Weight | 126kg (19st 11lb) |
|---|
| Caps | |
|---|
Tries in two successive matches against Italy and Wales from Viliami ‘Billy’ Vunipola helped England U18 to extend their victorious run to 19 international matches before the 23-17 defeat by hosts South Africa in the Four Team Tournament in July 2010. He was vice captain to Chris Walker on the tour and appeared in all three games.
Sydney-born Billy is a member of a distinguished Tongan rugby dynasty, his brother Mako being a former member of the England U20 squad.
Their father Fe’ao, a hooker won 32 caps for his country, figured in the 1995 and 1999 World Cups and played for Pontypool. He is now head coach at Marlow, a South West One East club.
Six of Billy’s uncles and his grandfather represented Tonga. The two brothers previously played alongside each other in the England U18 team and their careers have progressed from there.
Billy, like Mako, qualifies for England through residency and his favourite ground is Twickenham, even though he has yet to play there. He said: "The atmosphere is crazy."
Educated at the Castle School, Bristol, he is now at Harrow studying Photography, Design Technology, Physical Education and Business with aspirations of becoming a world renowned photographer.
A member of the London Wasps Academy, he played for Bristol in 2007-08 and has benefited from the England U18 coaching team of John Fletcher and Peter Walton.
Billy continued: "Both have shown great belief and brought me through even though I thought I was an average player. The players I most admire are those who are humble and hard working such as George Ford, our captain two years ago."
Last updated: March 15, 2012
