Billy Vunipola claims 'unfortunate misunderstanding' led to arrest in Majorca nightclub

Billy Vunipola will battle to save the end of his storied Saracens career after confirming he was arrested in Majorca.

The England No8 insisted he had been fined €240 (£205) and released by police in Palma, after being charged with resisting the law.

The 31-year-old was embroiled in an altercation at a nightclub in the Majorcan capital in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Vunipola is due to trade Saracens for Montpellier this summer, and now faces the real possibility of being denied a proper farewell.

Saracens will conduct an internal investigation, and any suspension could jeopardise Vunipola’s involvement in the north London club’s push for a seventh Premiership title.

Sarries have just two regular Premiership games left to play this season, with two potential play-off matches to follow.

“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,” said Vunipola in a statement released by Saracens.

“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 240Euro.

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

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

Vunipola has spent 11 years with Saracens, having switched from Wasps.

The 75-cap England star’s Test career will be effectively over when he moves to France in the summer, with England sticking to their policy of not selecting overseas-based players.

Vunipola was overlooked for Six Nations selection in any case, with England boss Steve Borthwick looking to kick-start a new era in building towards the 2027 World Cup.

The back-rower helped England finish third at last autumn’s World Cup in France but struggled to find top form and fluency.

Saracens team-mate Ben Earl has made the England No8 role his own since excelling at the World Cup, while Harlequins’ Alex Dombrandt was recalled for the Six Nations.

Saracens have a week without a fixture having been knocked out of the Champions Cup at the last-16 stage.

Mark McCall’s side edged out Bath 15-12 at The Rec on Friday night for a crucial league victory, with Vunipola involved off the bench.