Rugby

Billy Vunipola apologises after receiving fine for resisting the law in Majorca

The 31-year-old England and Saracens forward said he was fined 240 euros (£205) after the incident in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Billy Vunipola was fined after an incident in the early hours of Sunday morning in Palma
Billy Vunipola was fined after an incident in the early hours of Sunday morning in Palma (Adam Davy/PA)

England forward Billy Vunipola has “unreservedly” apologised after being fined for resisting the law on the Spanish island of Majorca.

The 31-year-old said there was “no violence” during the incident in the early hours of Sunday morning and he is scheduled to fly back to the UK on Monday.

In a statement issued through his club Saracens, Vunipola said he was charged with resisting the law and fined 240 euros (£205) following an “express trial”.

He described the incident as an “unfortunate misunderstanding” which “got out of hand”.

In his statement, Vunipola said: “I can confirm I was involved in an unfortunate misunderstanding when I was leaving a club in Majorca 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.”

Local reports said Vunipola was tasered twice by police after arriving at a bar in the island’s capital Palma in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Saracens said they were aware of an incident involving the player and would be dealing with the matter internally.

Vunipola is expected to leave Saracens at the end of this season and has previously been linked with a move to France, although nothing has been confirmed.

Billy Vunipola in action for Saracens
Billy Vunipola in action for Saracens (Rhianna Chadwick/PA)

He has won 75 England caps, making his Test debut against Argentina in 2013. He is not currently part of the England squad.

The player made an appearance as a second-half substitute for Saracens in their 15-12 victory over Bath on Friday night.

The club are not scheduled to play again until May 11.

Saracens are second in the Gallagher Premiership with just two rounds of regular season games left before the play-offs as they chase a sixth title in 10 seasons.