Saracens issue statement on Vunipola brothers following return via coronavirus-affected Hong Kong

Saracens have issued a statement surrounding the recent trip to Tonga by the Vunipola brothers, Mako and Billy, after it was claimed on Tuesday that Mako was in self-isolation as a precaution due to coronavirus fears after flying back via Hong Kong.

The loosehead was set to link up with Eddie Jones’ England squad on Monday for a training camp, with a view to featuring in Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations match with Wales.

But the 29-year-old didn’t join the rest of the squad and will miss the fixture after being advised to self-isolate under the current NHS guidelines. “Mako is not in camp on medical grounds. He is not sick, but it is a precaution,” an RFU spokesperson said.

Now Saracens have given their take on the situation with a Wednesday morning statement. It read: “Billy Vunipola and Mako Vunipola returned to Saracens after visiting family in Tonga which included a short stop at Hong Kong airport.

“Travellers returning from Hong Kong are not currently subject to mandatory quarantine or self-isolation unless they become symptomatic.

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“Neither Billy or Mako have displayed symptoms of the coronavirus and on their return to London were assessed by the club’s medical staff. The duo have been around the Saracens environment for the past couple of days, with the latter available for selection this weekend.

“Saracens will continue to follow the Public Health England and World Health Organisation regulations surrounding coronavirus and the medical staff will be closely monitoring Billy and Mako on a regular basis.”

Saracens are due to host Leicester Tigers at Allianz Park next Saturday in the Gallagher Premiership.

WATCH: RugbyPass went behind the scenes with Tonga in the run-up to the 2019 World Cup in Japan