Mako Vunipola was given brutally honest reality check in harsh Lions tour moment
The Saracens icon, who currently plays for French club Vannes, had an impressive international career, although 2021 was challenging for various reasons. The Sarries' relegation to the second tier of English rugby and an achilles injury that kept him out of the opening weekend of the 2021 Six Nations proved to be hugely challenging for the prop.
Consequently, he reported for the Lions' tour of South Africa out of shape. Gatland was unimpressed with Vunipola's fitness upon joining the squad.
It wasn't long before the former Wales head coach delivered a stark message any elite athlete would respond to. Having played a key part in the Lions clinching a 22-17 win over South Africa in the first test with his impactful scrummaging off the bench, Vunipola's performance proved instrumental for the tour.
Gatland went on to open up about the frank exchange he had with Vunipola before the first test. He said: "We have been really pleased with Mako.
"And I was really honest with him and just said, 'Mate, I didn't feel when you came into the squad that your fitness levels are as good as they should be for international rugby.'
"He agreed with me and we have changed a bit of his scrummaging technique and him coming off the bench at the moment - he has made a huge impact. He has scrummaged exceptionally well, carries great, is a great defender and we will see what happens over the next few days." Vunipola retired from international rugby in January 2024 (Image: 2021 MB Media)
Vunipola wasn't present at the Lions' Jersey training camp during its initial phase, but he still pursued his own conditioning drills in private. Following Gatland's frank remarks, Vunipola disclosed his efforts to enhance his physical readiness.
He said: "Fitness is something I've always had to try and keep on top of since I started, really. It was obviously a step up, coming into the Lions camp having not been in for the first week of Jersey.
"I knew that condition-wise I was in good hands with the strength and conditioning staff and the medical staff to get me to a place where I'm able to help the team. It's one of those things where there are no shortcuts, it's just hard work, extras off the field with the team around me." Vunipola had a huge effect from the bench in the first test in 2021 (Image: 2021 Getty Images)
His stellar performance in the first test earned him a spot in the starting line-up for the second, which saw South Africa triumph with a decisive 27-9 scoreline. Vunipola was left out of the XV for the third test, but, mirroring the first match, he came on as a substitute and aided the Lions in clinching a 19-16 win.
He concluded the tour with nine successive test match appearances, marking his final stint with the Lions. Vunipola bid farewell to international test rugby in January 2024, retiring with 79 caps for England under his belt.
Throughout his career, the Kiwi-born star clinched the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam and was part of the team that made it to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
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