Billy Vunipola faces media ahead of a European final and addresses topics including eligibility, a potential switch to Tonga, and his progress in France. He joined Montpellier in 2024 after leaving Saracens, saying the move was not a retirement payday but a continuation of proving himself. He describes needing to convince teammates that he was there for rugby, not money, and notes similar doubts when moving from Wasps to Saracens as a young player. He says he also had to prove it to himself by showing he could still perform. He reports a more relaxing culture in France and highlights relegation as a factor that raises performance. Montpellier are second in the Top 14 and aim to win the Challenge Cup again, with Ulster as the immediate focus.
"“I had to prove myself to every single person in the changing rooms that I wasn't here for a pay cheque,” he said. “I wasn't here to pack up my bags and enjoy the last few years of my career. ”It was the same noises when I left Wasps to go to Saracens. I had to knuckle down and prove to them that I was there for rugby.”"
"“I always knew that no matter what I could say to them, the only way I could prove that I was here for the right reasons was to show them. ”There was those doubts in my mind and I had to prove to myself almost that I can still do this. ”It was great to have a challenge where I was the new kid at school almost.”"
"After a poor first campaign in France for Vunipola - where he says relegation forces you to raise you game, yet the culture is more “relaxing” than England - Montpellier are second in the Top 14 and are looking to win the Challenge Cup for the third time. Vunipola added that it is a “joy” at Montpellier a"
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