Billy set to go big in 2018

BILLY VUNIPOLA has been backed to return to action bigger, stronger and as good as ever in the new year.

The crocked Pacific Islander is champing at the bit to get back on to the rugby field and prove himself ready for Six Nations battle in February.

Vunipola endured a nightmare 2017 with injuries ruining his dream of a Lions trip to face world champions the All Blacks and then ruling him out of the Autumn Internationals.

He is close to finally putting on the Saracens jersey once more with the club’s crucial European clashes with Ospreys in a fortnight and then Northampton.

And team-mate Jamie George is confident big Billy will quickly show he has lost none of his power.

The hooker said: “He’s been looking his old self in training and that is good news for everyone. His return will be a huge boost for the team because any side in the world would miss a world-class No.8 like him.

“There’s no point rushing a player like him because he needs to be totally physically ready to put his body on the line.

“It’s been a very tough year for him to take, missing out on such important tours.”

In the Aviva Premiership yesterday, Saracens beat Worcester in a high-scoring encounter, winning 46-31.

There were two tries each for Jackson Wray and Nathan Earle.

London Irish lost 15-20 at home to Newcastle Falcons and Gloucester beat Sale 20-16.

Quins beat Northampton 50-21 in the late game.