DIRECTOR of rugby Mark McCall has praised Saracens’ medical team for their work in helping Billy Vunipola back to full fitness three weeks ahead of schedule.

Former Thornbury RFC ace Vunipola was limping from his knee ligament injury when visiting his old club a fortnight ago and predicted he would not be running for around two to three weeks.

But the Saracens and England number eight, who had been sidelined since last November, returns to club action on Sunday in their Aviva Premiership clash away to Newcastle Falcons and McCall was keen to praise the club’s back room team for their ‘tireless’ work in helping Vunipola back to full fitness.

“It’s been an incredible effort from all concerned,” said McCall. “Our medical team, strength and conditioning team and Billy should take a lot of credit for their tireless work. Billy is coming back three weeks ahead of schedule, which is some feat, and it is another example of the benefits of having a joined-up rugby and medical department.”

On his return, Vunipola was quick to thank the Saracens backroom team. “I’m really excited to be back out there this weekend and I’d like to thank the whole medical team - especially our physio Laura Tulloch and our Head of Performance, Phil Morrow, for their support throughout my time out. I’m feeling refreshed, the body feels great and I’m ready for what will be a really tough game up in Newcastle.”