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Billy Vunipola hands England a fitness boost as he returns to Saracens starting XV

Billy Vunipola has not started a Premiership game for Saracens since January. Bob Bradford - CameraSport via Getty Images

England No. 8 Billy Vunipola will make his first start since January when Saracens host Wasps in the Aviva Premiership semifinals on Saturday.

Vunipola, 25, has made just four league appearances in an injury-plagued season that has curtailed his involvement with both club and country.

The back row returned from arm, knee and shoulder injuries in Saracens' win at London Irish on April 29 but a hamstring issue kept him out of the final day defeat of Gloucester.

He will come up against Nathan Hughes on Saturday, with his fellow No. 8 set for a first Wasps appearance since February.

Hughes has endured a similarly injury-interrupted season having made just six Premiership appearances this season.

The Wasps back row regained his fitness for England's final two games of the Six Nations but injured his knee against Ireland and has been left out of the squad for the series against the Springboks next month.

Vunipola has been included in the the squad for June's tour of South Africa and Eddie Jones will hope he comes through the Allianz Park clash unscathed.

The Saracens No. 8 last started a competitive match on Jan. 13 but was forced off at half-time of the 15-15 Champions Cup draw with Ospreys due to a fractured forearm.

He will take his place in the Saracens back row alongside Nick Isiekwe and Jackson Wray, who is set to make his 200th appearance for the London club.