England rugby star Billy Vunipola arrested after violent incident at Majorca pub with eight police officers and two Taser shots needed to subdue 20-stone athlete after he ‘threatened customers and staff with bottles and chairs.
England rugby international Billy Vunipola has been arrested after a violent incident in a Mallorca pub.
The 31-year-old had to be Tasered twice after police rushed to a bar called Epic in the island’s capital Palma at 4.30am on Sunday morning, following calls from security staff.
Local reports said the sportsman, who was born in Australia to Tongan parents and moved to the UK with his family as a young child, took off his shirt and threatened customers and employees with bottles and chairs.
The 6ft 2in professional, who weighs almost 20 stone, was reportedly unaffected by the first Taser Volt which police used on him after clearing the bar so they could try to resolve the situation.
They subdued and handcuffed him after using a Taser for the second time after Vunipola allegedly challenged officers and flexed his muscles.
England rugby international Billy Vunipola has been arrested following a violent incident in a Majorca pub in which police used him twice. The photo shows his arrival at the court in Palma.
Police stormed the Epic bar in Palma and subdued Vunipola using two Taser bullets.
Vunipola has played 75 times for the England rugby team over the past 11 years.
Vunipola cools off in the ocean during England’s cool down session at Coogee Beach in 2016
Vunipola walks down the beach to the Atlantic Ocean during the England Cooldown held at Praia da Felesia on November 2, 2016 in Vilamoura.
Vunipola, number eight of Saracens’ Premiership Rugby team, was taken to nearby Son Espases Hospital after being detained where he had to be sedated and tied to his bed.
Until the medicine took effect, several security guards and police officers had to watch him.
He was brought to court on Sunday, wearing the same blue T-shirt and beige shorts in which he was arrested, following the early morning incident.
His whereabouts today are unknown, but he is understood to have been released on bail pending ongoing investigations.
A police source said: “He was taken to hospital after his arrest before being handed over to the courts later in the day.”
Police and judicial authorities have yet to make an official comment, but an official statement is expected on Monday.
The bar where Vunipola was shot was closed early this morning.
The rugby player spent his childhood in Wales and the southwest of England after emigrating to the United Kingdom.
Vunipola dives into the ocean during the England Cooldown held at St. Kilda Beach on June 15, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.
Vunipola seen during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa at the Stade de France on October 21, 2023 in Paris
Vunipola during the Gallagher Premiership rugby match between Sale Sharks and Saracens at the AJ Bell Stadium on December 22, 2023 in Salford
Vunipola was seen playing for Saracens in their Premiership Rugby match against Bath on Friday
He won a scholarship to attend the prestigious Harrow School and, while there, was picked by Wasps Academy where he made his senior debut at the age of 18.
Vunipola played 30 times in two seasons before signing for current club Saracens.
He made his debut for England during the 2013 summer tour to Argentina. He has since amassed nearly 80 caps.
His father and uncle both played for Tonga. His cousin Taupe Faletau was capped by Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
Speaking previously about 2019, the year England were beaten in the World Cup final by South Africa, he said: “I was very, very ahead of myself at the time .”
“We had just won the double with Saracens. I had played very well in the semi-final and final and I knew I was going to be part of the England team (for the World Cup in Japan).
Vunipola apologizes for immature behavior ahead of Japan 2019 World Cup
Vunipola suffered a knee injury with Saracens in last year’s Heineken Champions Cup
“I had a chat with Steve about rugby after training when we were in Treviso. I said a few things that were out of line. I said things that should never have been said to Steve that way, but also in front of other people.
“We had already had conversations about my rugby in January and it’s important to say that I don’t think that had anything to do with me not playing in the Six Nations.
“But I thought it was important to address the issue and apologize to Steve, after I matured a little. I just wanted to let him know that I was sorry because I am.
“He should never have been in this situation where I made him feel like I was being condescending to him. Especially as a senior, not just as a coach but as a person more older than me. It was very disrespectful what I did to Steve.
Last year, Vunipola was suspended for three matches, suspended for a dangerous high tackle, early in the Rugby World Cup.
Vunipola was sent off against Ireland in Dublin, following a bunker review of his high shot over prop Andrew Porter.
Billy Vunipola missed England’s first two Rugby World Cup matches after being suspended
Vunipola (left) was punished for his high tackle on Irish prop Andrew Porter (right)
Facing an independent disciplinary commission, Vunipola admitted committing an act of foul play worthy of a red card.
World Rugby’s mandatory minimum entry point for foul play resulting in head contact is six weeks but, represented by Richard Smith KC, Vunipola’s suspension was halved to three.
The verdict stated: “Having acknowledged the mitigating factors, including his exemplary prior record, immediate apology and remorse, and noting the absence of aggravating factors, the committee reduced the six-week entry point by three weeks.
The decision on Vunipola came after Farrell was suspended for four matches following an appeal against the controversial decision which overturned the England captain’s red card in the defeat to Wales.
