Billy Vunipola is back training with Saracens after being arrested. Photo: Getty Images/Samir Al Doumi
Billy Vunipola will not meet anyone. further disciplinary action by Saracens following his arrest in Mallorca, but the Rugby Football Union could still charge him with conduct prejudicial to the game.
Telegraph Sport understands the No. 8 has returned to training after returning to the UK. along with the rest of the Saracens squad on Monday, with Vunipola paying a €240 (£205) fine after Spanish police closed their investigation.
Vunipola could technically still be charged by the Rugby Football Union rule 5.12; behavior that is detrimental to the interests of the game. Vunipola was previously charged under the rule in April 2019 following his comments on social media during the fallout from the Israel Folau saga.
Telegraph Sport understands that the warning, which was entered into Vunipola's record after the 2019 hearing expired because five years had passed, although it is unlikely to be considered in any case given the difference in circumstances.
The RFU did charge former England midfielder Danny Cipriani under Rule 5.12 after he was arrested for assault and resisting arrest following a party in Jersey in 2018. The RFU handed Cipriani a suspended fine of £4,000 as he had already paid £2,000 each. to his club Gloucester and Jersey Magistrates.
Having replaced Saracens in the last two matches – victories over Gloucester and Bath – Vunipola can now take part in the club's next match away in Bristol next weekend, which is a must. -win a game against Saracens, who are aiming to qualify for the play-offs and advance to the home semi-final.
Vunipola previously said in a statement: “I can confirm that I was involved in an unfortunate misunderstanding while leaving a club in Mallorca on Sunday which spiraled out of control. Contrary to media reports, there was no violence, no fighting and I did not threaten anyone at any stage with bottles, chairs or anything else.
“I was accused of resisting the law, and after a “express trial” I paid a fine of 240 euros. The Spanish police investigation has been closed and I am flying back to the UK today. I will obviously co-operate with Saracens' internal process and unreservedly apologize for any inconvenience to all involved.”
Vunipola's club added in a statement: “Saracens can confirm that following an internal investigation, Billy Vunipola is no longer facing action from club. We condemn this behavior and have warned Billy about his future behavior. We now look forward to the remainder of the Gallagher Premiership season and consider this matter closed.”
The number eight had previously been sober for almost two years as he tried to return to his best form before heading to the Rugby World Cup with England last year.
Vunipola is set to leave Saracens at the end of the season after 11 years at the club , whose expected destination was Montpellier in France. Telegraph Sport reported on Tuesday that Vunipola's arrest is not expected to affect his move to Montpellier, with a source saying: “Everything is fine. Nobody in France talks about it.”
The move will end Vunipola's international career given that England players cannot be selected for the national team while they are abroad, although he was not called up . England squad after last year's Rugby World Cup after he was left out of Steve Borthwick's squad for the Six Nations. Vunipola made 75 caps for England.
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