NEW England national coach Eddie Jones has praised former Castle School student and  ex-Thornbury RFC Bronco player Billy Vunipola after a man of the match performance in the nation’s 15-9 win over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Vunipola was endorsed by Jones as a player with the potential to become the best number eight in the game as England head towards Rome for a date with Italy this weekend.

Vunipola is one of England's three vice-captains in support of Dylan Hartley and on the evidence of one match, he is to have a prominent role for the foreseeable future.

"I tell Billy every day how good he can be. Every player needs to have a dream. As a coach one of your jobs is to give them dreams," Jones said.

"I don't want him to be the best number eight in the Premiership, I want him to be the best number eight in the world. And he can do that."