1. He's the man that's made the most meteoric and memorable impact in Premiership Rugby and on international duty, since making his debut in Argentina last summer. He's 21 years old and has adjusted naturally to life in the Saracens’ Wolfpack.
2. When I use the term 'wrecking ball' and think about an individual player who's been on an incredible journey this season, especially with his ball-carrying rampages, I instantly think of him. ... He laughed when I mentioned this and thanked me for the compliment.
Have you guessed it yet?
Yes!!!! He's the one and only …. 'Big Billy!’
When I spoke to Billy Vunipola shortly before the start of the Aviva Premiership Awards Dinner, I ended our captivating conversation by wishing him luck as a contender to win the Landrover Discovery Player of the Season Award. But I then paused and retracted my comment by saying;
“Actually Billy, you don't need luck. You've progressed so much as a player this season; have a fantastic evening.”
And with that, as the call ended, I had no doubt in my mind that this young, influential high-flying achiever, would win. Especially with the avalanche of ability and pride that he possesses.
Prior to that moment, I’d asked Billy to reflect on his season and he touched on a handful of monumental experiences that sprung to mind;
“For me, the game against “Oz” for England, standing next to my brother and spotting my parents in the crowd, was a special moment”
What more could this Saracens’ number eight have wished for?
The opportunity to play along side his brother and for his country is phenomenal, an experience that's clearly contributed to his development as an individual.
“To be able to play against Italy and win comfortably and not be underestimated”
“Also the Ulster game. The abuse we got in our pre-match warm up, the hostile environment and to win that game and be involved in that game made me realise why I enjoy this game so much”
Just listening to Billy and absorbing his stories, I began to get an insight into what rugby really means to this man. He's a born believer in the sport and someone I’d describe as a perfect ambassador too.
He oozes enthusiasm, emotion and passion and I believe joining the Saracens has been the ideal platform for him to enhance his confidence and progression as a player.
We went on to discuss the Saracens team trip to New York and how that benefitted the squad;
“When we went to New York, that experience was massive for us as a team.”
Billy says the down time and relaxation the players got to enjoy whilst bonding has certainly given them, as a team, that extra edge.
When you're together on a personal level, it comes through on the pitch and that's unquestionable, especially as the Saracens are sitting pretty and clear at the top of the Premiership table. Mark McCall made the perfect judgement there.
But back to Billy and realistically, the determination and confidence he has shown has empowered him tremendously this season; he's hungry to keep on playing and it's clear the fulfilment this brings him.
And I did manage to cheekily ask him one last question;
“Is there more to come from you?”
Billy replied with such conviction, “Ah yeah, of course!”
He says that people associate him with crash balls but he's now looking to mix up his game to keep people thinking until the end of this season.
I could have probed Billy further about his achievements, not least his international duties, but the awards ceremony beckoned.
The ladder that Billy’s climbing is only one of success but picking up an ankle injury in the 13-10 win against Ireland, obviously put everything into perspective for him. You can't take anything for granted.
Billy is an incredible young individual who's striving to keep improving his game and I have no doubt that there are great things ahead for him.
Later that evening, it was announced that Billy Vuniploa had won Discovery Player of the Season ... well done Billy!
And Good Luck for the Semi-Finals!
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| Photo provided by Premiership Rugby |