Billy Vunipola proud of Saracens despite Champions Cup semi-final exit

Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola said he is proud of the club's effort despite losing the Heineken Champions Cup semi-final against Racing 92 at Paris La Defense Arena last weekend.

Mark McCall's side came second in their game against Racing 92 as the French side completed a 19-15 win. The defeat also marked end of the European Champions campaign for Saracens after they won the title three times in the last four seasons.

“I’m proud to be part of this group,” said Vunipola.

“People on the outside can say what they like about us but unless you’re in the environment you won’t know what it’s like.

“We’ve been here before; we’ve lost finals before and we’ve only got better. It’s probably a fitting end to our year and we’ll be back. We’ll always be back and I’m looking forward to it.

“Sometimes you always want to talk about the good times but games like this humble you. Mark my words we’ll be back.”

Saracens will also be playing in the Championship next season after they face automatic relegation in the ongoing Gallagher Premiership season for a series of salary cap breaches but despite the setback a number of the stars including Billy, Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly and Maro Itoje have committed their immediate future with the club.

“I think for me there was more positive than negatives,” Vunipola said. “Seeing people like Dom Morris and my little cousin (play well)… in terms of exposure to this level they’re still babies.

“Most other teams would’ve broken. We lose our skipper, we’re thin on ice anyway and we still managed to scrap.

“It was a lovely try to win the game and they probably deserved to win the game. We can’t say anything other than we were beaten by a better team and we wish them all the luck for the next round.”