London — The booing of England star Billy Vunipola every time he touched the ball in Saracens’ Premiership loss to Bristol on Saturday “was unexpected”, said Sarries director of rugby Mark McCall. Vunipola sparked a backlash by liking on Instagram — and subsequent refusal to unlike — Australian great Israel Folau’s post that “Hell awaits” homosexuals, as well as adulterers and drunks, among others. Folau, who was embroiled in a similar controversy in 2018, is due to be fired by Rugby Australia just months away from the World Cup. Vunipola, who is an integral part of Eddie Jones’s England side, is to be grilled by Rugby Football Union chiefs. Judging by the reaction when he came on in the 51st minute of the surprise 23-21 loss in Bristol, Vunipola can expect a rough ride for the rest of the season, which includes the playoffs and a European Champions Cup semifinal with Irish province Munster next weekend. “I am not sure if it is surprising. It was unexpected,” said McCall. “He is a h...
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