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Mako Vunipola last appeared for England in March 2023.
England and Saracens prop Mako Vunipola has announced his retirement from international rugby.
He made his Test debut against Fiji in November 2012 and went on to earn 79 caps for England.
The three-time British Irish Lions player was left out of England's squad for the 2023 World Cup due to a back problem and said: “The time has come to step back.”
“It's an honor to represent my country, but all good things must come to an end,” Vunipola posted on her Instagram.
“There were a lot of ups and downs.
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way.
“To my wife Alex, thank you for taking care of our family and for all your support. Words cannot express it enough.
“To my parents, I am forever grateful for the sacrifices you have made for me to be here. Maro Aupito and Ofa Atu. [Thank you and I love you]. God is good. “
Vunipola is currently serving a four-game ban after receiving a red card for a dangerous tackle on Brian Byrne during Saracens' Premiership game against Newcastle on December 30.
The World Cup squad's loosehead props Ellis Genge, Joe Marler and Bevan Rodd would have been selected by currently injured head coach Steve Borthwick to play in Rome on February 3. He would have been available for the opening Six Nations match between England and Italy.
The New Zealand-born forward, who is the older brother of fellow England international Billy Vunipola, began his senior career at Bristol.
He has lived in England since the age of seven, when his father Fairo, a hooker, moved to Wales to join Pontypool, making him eligible to play for England through residence.
Vunipola joined Saracens in 2011 and went on to win four Premiership titles, three Champions Cups, three Six Nations titles with England and a 2019 World Cup runners-up medal.
England Rugby posted to X: “Thank you Mako. Good luck in your retirement.”
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