Billy Vunipola set for Saracens fitness test ahead of possible England return

Billy Vunipola must pass a fitness test with Saracens today if he is to stand any chance of making a remarkable England return against Scotland on Saturday week.

England head coach Eddie Jones suggested two weeks ago that Vunipola could be back for the final Six Nations match against Ireland in Dublin on March 18.

The Saracens No8 has been recovering since undergoing knee surgery in November.

But the fact Vunipola is in the mix to face Newcastle on Sunday makes him a likely inclusion in the squad for the Calcutta Cup clash at Twickenham.

Vunipola’s ball-carrying skills have been sorely missed and being able to call on him will significantly increase England’s chances of registering a world record-equalling 18th successive win.