England rugby star Billy Vunipola said he was the victim of an “unfortunate misunderstanding” after being arrested and tasered by police at a bar in Mallorca.
The Saracens player was detained by police at 4.30am on Sunday at Epic bar on the Palma waterfront.
The 6ft 2in, 20-stone back row pushed and slapped officers who eventually had to taser and handcuff him before taking him to a nearby hospital, police said in a statement reported in Spanish media.
The 31-year-old issued a statement on Monday apologising “for any inconvenience” but denying the use of violence.
“I can confirm I was involved in an unfortunate misunderstanding when I was leaving a club in Mallorca on Sunday, which got out of hand,” he said.
“Contrary to media reports, there was no violence, no fight and I did not threaten anybody at any stage, with bottles or chairs or anything else. I was charged with resisting the law and, following an ‘express trial’, I have paid a fine of 240 euros (£205).
“The Spanish police investigation is now closed, and I am flying back to the UK today. I will obviously cooperate with the Saracens internal process and unreservedly apologise for any inconvenience to all involved.”
Vunipola has won 75 England caps during a successful 10-year international career, although his last appearance came in 2023 and after missing out on selection for this year’s Six Nations, he is expected to leave Saracens at the end of the season for French side Montpellier – which would end his England career.
Vunipola played for Saracens against Bath on Friday night before going on holiday, with the club not involved in this weekend’s European semi-finals.
Although it is not confirmed that Vunipola was drinking during the incident, he has had previous alcohol-related run-ins. During the 2019 Six Nations, he missed curfew at the England team hotel following a night out with former England centre Ben Te’o.
Vunipola told The Times in November 2018 that he had stopped drinking following a serious conversation during the summer with his family, including his brother, Mako. “I had a lecture off my mum and dad, and my brother, and I finally listened to them. I’ve stopped drinking.”
Saracens sit second in the Gallagher Premiership and are chasing a sixth league title in last 10 seasons with just two rounds of regular season games left before the play-offs.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
