Why is Mako Vunipola not playing for England against Ireland in the Six Nations?
ENGLAND’s quest to regain the Six Nations hasn’t got off to an ideal start.
After a shock defeat to France in their opening match, the Red Rose had to contend with awful conditions at Murrayfield but were able to slug their way to 13-6 win over Scotland.
Now Ireland are the visitors to Twickenham, but Eddie Jones’ side will have to contend with this one without Mako Vunipola.
Why is Mako Vunipola not playing?
SINCE making his debut in 2012, Vunipola has emerged as one of England’s brightest talents.
The New Zealand-born prop has Tongan parents but qualifies for the Red Rose along with his brother Billy through residency after moving to the UK as a child.
Now 29, Vunipola wasn’t selected for the opening game of this year’s Six Nations against France.
But following the shock defeat in Paris he returned to the squad and started as England ground out a crucial win against Scotland to take the Calcutta Cup.
He will not face Ireland though after returning to Tonga for family reasons.
Bath’s Beno Obano has been drafted into Eddie Jones’ 33-man squad as cover, but Ellis Genge and Joe Marler will be the ones likely to step into Vunipola’s shoes.
England squad
Forwards
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby), Ben Earl (Saracens), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Jamie George (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Beno Obano (Bath Rugby), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs)
Backs
Elliot Daly (Saracens), Ollie Devoto (Exeter Chiefs), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Leicester Tigers), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Willi Heinz (Gloucester Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Jacob Umaga (Wasps), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
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How can I watch England vs Ireland?
EVERY game of this year’s Six Nations is live on free-to-air TV.
England vs Ireland is all set for Sunday, February 23 at Twickenham.
Kick-off is at 3pm and you can tune in on ITV1 or by using the ITV Hub.