Vunipola, the England No 8, says there are too many matches for the leading clubs

Billy Vunipola has warned that rugby players may go on strike if there is no reduction in the number of matches that leading clubs play.

The No 8 said that his body “could not handle” the demands of playing for England and Saracens last season, resulting in him undergoing surgery to his knee and shoulder and missing the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. He said that the game’s governing bodies appeared not to understand the impact on players of the schedule.

In an interview with The Times, he said that the season should be shortened considerably. “Play one round of the Premiership, 11 games; play the European Cup; champagne,” he said. “Everyone complains that they keep pushing the salary cap up but