Sarries Receive Vunipola Boost

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall expects Mako Vunipola to be fit for Saturday’s European Champions Cup final against Leinster. England international prop Vunipola has been struggling with an ankle injury that he originally sustained during this year’s Six Nations.

The 28-year-old lasted 62 minutes of Sarries’ semi-final victory over Munster last month, but that is the only time he has featured since picking up the injury and he was a late withdrawal from the team that beat Wasps in the Gallagher Premiership on April 27.

However, the news appears a lot more upbeat on Vunipola ahead of this week’s Champions Cup final at Newcastle’s St James’ Park, as McCall has revealed that he expects the European player of the year nominee to be available. “Mako looks good and has come through training very well. We fully expect him to be playing,” he said.

Sarries only fitness doubt appears to be flanker Michael Rhodes, who is struggling with a back problem and will be assessed later in the week. “Michael Rhodes has a stiff back so we’ll make a decision later in the week about him,” McCall added. “Other than that we’re OK, everyone else is fit and well.”

Saracens are looking to claim Champions Cup glory for the third time in four years, although it is Leinster that will come into the match as the defending champions after beating Racing 92 in last year’s showpiece.