In a significant move for the upcoming rugby season, former England prop Mako Vunipola has officially confirmed his transfer to Leicester Tigers this summer. The 35-year-old veteran, who earned 79 caps for England and participated in three British & Irish Lions tours, will be joining the East Midlands club to strengthen their forward pack. Vunipola is currently playing for Vannes in France's ProD2 but has decided to extend his career by an additional year, returning to the Premiership where he has extensive experience.
Reunion with Former England Teammate
Vunipola will be linking up with Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling, a former England teammate under the management of Stuart Lancaster. This reunion adds a layer of familiarity and strategic synergy to the Tigers' coaching setup. Parling expressed his enthusiasm about the signing, highlighting Vunipola's hunger to return to the Premiership and finish his career in the competition he knows best.
"He was hungry for the chance to come back to the Prem and finish in the comp he knows best," Parling stated. "That coupled with his experience and what that can do for our young props is hopefully going to be really valuable. I know he's a good man, that he's skilful and that he knows the game really well. So I'm hopeful he's going to have a really positive impact."
Mentorship and Future Coaching Role
Vunipola, who spent 13 years of his illustrious career at Saracens, is expected to take on a mentorship role with Leicester's academy youngsters. This position could pave the way for a potential future coaching career, leveraging his vast experience to develop the next generation of rugby talent. Reflecting on the move, Vunipola shared his excitement and disbelief.
"It still hasn't sunk in," Vunipola said. "It's something I would never have envisaged but I am honoured to be part of this prestigious club. Tigers are an incredibly well-supported club and their fans are so passionate about their rugby."
Additional Signings and League Developments
Leicester Tigers are also bolstering their squad with the addition of Argentinian front-row Joel Sclavi, who will help fill the void left by Nicky Smith's impending transfer to Sale Sharks. This dual signing underscores the Tigers' commitment to enhancing their set-piece and forward dominance, a cornerstone of their playing philosophy.
In other rugby news, Exeter Chiefs have announced the signing of Bath utility back Sam Harris on a two-year deal, replacing the departing Josh Hodge. Harris, capable of playing at fly-half or full-back, is seen as a promising asset by Exeter's director of rugby, Rob Baxter.
"He's one of those guys we think can potentially come through and grow into a very good rugby player and we hope that's something we can help him achieve here at Exeter," Baxter remarked.
Injury Blow and League Expansion
Meanwhile, Leinster and South Africa have suffered a significant setback with confirmation that RG Snyman has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, likely sidelining him for the remainder of the year. The Springbok lock, who previously tore the ACL in his left knee twice during his time with Munster, sustained the injury against Glasgow Warriors this month.
On a broader scale, the PWR domestic women's league in England is aiming to expand its reach by inviting ambitious new teams from Wales, Scotland, and Ireland to declare interest in joining the tournament by the end of April. This initiative reflects the growing momentum and inclusivity in women's rugby, seeking to elevate the sport's profile across the British Isles.
