Mako made his Test debut against Fiji in November 2012. A year later he made his British & Irish Lions debut against the Barbarians in Hong Kong and featured in all three Tests for the series win over Australia, and did the same four years later in the drawn series with New Zealand. He also featured on the tour to South Africa.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, he qualified for England on residency after his father Fe’ao, a hooker, emigrated to Wales to play for Pontypool in 1998. Mako signed for Saracens in 2011 from Bristol Rugby and also played on loan for Bedford Blues.

He won the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam with England and was part of the squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. In total he featured 79 times for England.

"It’s been an honour to have represented my country but all good things must come to an end," said Vunipola in a Instagram post. 

"The time has come to step away now. There have been lots of highs and lows. Would love to thank everyone who have helped me along the way. To my wife thank you for taking care of our family and all your support. Words don’t do it justice.

"To my parents I’m eternally grateful for all you have sacrificed for me to be here. Malo aupito and Ofa atu."