Mako Vunipola OUT of England clash with Wales over coronavirus fears after Hong Kong flight
ENGLAND ordered Mako Vunipola to stay away from their Six Nations camp over fears he might have caught coronavirus.
The prop, 29, will miss Saturday's monster game at home to Wales after flying through virus-hit Hong Kong on his way back from seeing family in Tonga on the weekend.
But despite being named in their training squad on Monday, he hasn't attended camp at all after medics told him to stay away.
England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot said: "Mako is not with us now.
Government guidelines say that anyone who has been to Hong Kong and show symptoms should self-isolate for two weeks - although Vunipola is said to be clear of any sickness.
And in a late twist, he was welcomed back with open arms at Saracens and trained fully with the Londoners on Tuesday.
However, Vunipola's tournament with England looks over with boss Eddie Jones unlikely to take any risks over calling him back into his camp.
The South African added: "Mako is not with us now.
"He has got a medical issue so he won't be available for the weekend. It is just something medical so he is out for the weekend.
"We were excited to have him back, he is a great presence and a very experienced player, but we have have great depth in our looseheads and they have been playing well.
"It is a medical issue, between him and the doctor."
An RFU spokeswoman added: "Mako is not in camp on medical grounds. He is not sick, but it is a precaution."
The 65-cap international was born in New Zealand to Tongan parents and qualifies for England after moving to the UK as a child, along with brother Billy.
Vunipola also missed the huge 24-12 win over Ireland to fly to Tonga.
And he will now sit out the Wales game - with World Cup hero Martin Johnson already fearful of losing to their rivals.
"DANGEROUS GAME"
After three matches, the Red Rose sit second in the Six Nations table behind only France - who beat them on the opening weekend.
Ahead of the Wales clash, Johnson said: “[England] should be thinking this is a really dangerous game against a team who have had a couple of defeats and have nothing to lose.
“[Wales] will come and have a real go, England need to be on red alert and play with an intensity that they started the Ireland game with and not give these guys any sort of break.
“Get on top early and make it difficult.
“Of all the nations, the Welsh rugby team — they represent their country more than anyone else.
"When they won the slam last year it was huge for the nation — and good on them.
“They want to come here to Twickenham and win..."
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Meanwhile, Wales have a concern of their own, with Dan Biggar facing a late fitness test with a knee injury.
The fly-half suffered the knock in action for Northampton against Saracens.
Wales’ only other No10 option is rookie Jarrod Evans, 23, who has just one cap.