Vunipola issues statement on arrest with different account of events

Billy Vunipola has issued a statement refuting reports that he had threatened customers and staff at a bar in Majorca following his arrest on Sunday morning.

The Saracens and England No8 confirmed in the statement that he was “charged with resisting the law” and subsequently fined €240 in an express trial, but denies the reports that he was violent.

The investigation by the Spanish police is now closed, according to Vunipola, and he said he will cooperate with Saracens in their internal process.

Reports in Spain claimed the 75-cap England international, who had featured for Saracens on Friday night in Bath, was threatening customers and staff at Epic bar in Marjoca’s capital Palma, throwing bottles and stools at the security staff. He has denied those reports though, saying there was “no violence”.

His statement was shared by Saracens on X on Monday.

A statement on behalf of Billy Vunipola.#YourSaracens💫 pic.twitter.com/JvqiDAeiZh

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) April 29, 2024

The statement reads: “I can confirm I was involved in an unfortunate misunderstanding when I was leaving a club in Mallorca on Sunday, which got out of hand.

“Contrary to media reports, there was no violence, no fight and I did not threaten anybody at any stage, with bottles or chairs or anything else.

“I was charged with resisting the law and, following an ‘express trial’, I have paid a fine of 240 euros.

“The Spanish police investigation is now closed, and I am flying back to the UK today.

“I will obviously cooperate with the Saracens internal process and unreservedly apologise for any inconvenience to all involved.”

Saracens’ next fixture is against Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership on May 11, which means the issue may have been dealt with by then by the club.

Saracens have also issued a brief statement, which reads: “Saracens is aware of an incident involving Billy Vunipola in Majorca.

“We will of course deal with this incident internally, and will not make any further comment until then.”