England: Jamie George says Billy Vunipola is ‘chomping at the bit’ to return to Test rugby

Jamie George is delighted to see his Saracens team-mate Billy Vunipola recalled to the England squad and said the robust star has frustration to unleash when he returns.

Vunipola was part of a severe cut of senior players by Eddie Jones after last year’s loss to Ireland but is now expected to return to the starting line-up against Australia this weekend.

George felt for his team-mate, who was heavily affected by being exiled from the England squad and said Vunipola is raring to go against the Wallabies.

“Billy was hurting. He was hurting. I don’t think he will mind me saying that. He loves playing for England and he loves playing at the top level,” George said.

“I know that it hurt him not being involved in this. I have spoken to him at length about it. He was upset. This is where he wants to be.

“He’s probably the most competitive person I’ve ever come across. He wants to compete against the best and show that he can be the best. What better opportunity to do that than against Australia on their home turf?

“Billy has always been driven. The way that he leads at Saracens is different. He leads from the front. He works incredibly hard. He’s constantly wanting to evolve his game.

“I’m hugely excited to see him back in the Test arena because this is where he deserves to be. I know he’ll be chomping at the bit if he gets his opportunity on Saturday.”

Jones has been looking to shape what he calls a ‘new England’, but as injury and circumstances have shown, some of the old guard might prove its worth as an inclusion for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“Billy has been on it the whole time. The influence he has on a team is massive – on both sides of the ball,” added George.

“Everyone talks about his carrying but jeez his defence is