FORMER Castle School pupil Mako Vunipola scored a try to help England kick off their Junior World Championship campaign with a 33-25 win over Ireland in Italy.

The tight-head prop belied his position with a solo try, producing a lovely sidestep and showing brute strength to dive over in the second half after Ireland had moved to within two points of England at 18-16.

Vunipola, who will play for Aviva Premiership champions Saracens next season after leaving Bristol, also played a key role in the build up to Henry Thomas’ try during the first half.