Leicester Tigers have signed former England loose-head prop Mako Vunipola.
The 35-year-old, at the moment with French Pro D2 leaders Vannes, has agreed to affix Tigers for subsequent season together with Argentina prop Joel Sclavi from La Rochelle, Bristol Bears centre Joe Jenkins and Harlequins hooker Jack Doorey-Palmer.
Vunipola, born in New Zealand, made 79 appearances for England, was a World Cup runner-up in 2019, and was concerned in three British and Irish Lions excursions.
He is in his second season taking part in in Brittany. He moved to Vannes after 13 years at Saracens, the place he gained 4 Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups.
“It’s great to welcome someone of Mako’s experience and quality into the squad next season,” Tigers boss Geoff Parling stated.
“He’s a proven international loose-head that is hungry to come back to the Prem to finish his career and is looking for a place that can get the best from him whilst offering the opportunity to play in big games.
“He’s an impressive character that may add actual worth to the group.”
Vunipola stated it was a transfer he “would by no means have envisaged”, adding he was “honoured to be a part of this prestigious membership”.
Sclavi, 31, has won the Champions Cup twice with French side La Rochelle, as well as the Top 14, and has played 33 times for his country.
Doorey-Palmer, 22, is a product of Harlequins’ academy and has been on loan at Champ club Cambridge this season.
Jenkins, also 22, is a former England Under-20 international and became the youngest player to ever start for Bristol in the Premiership when, at 18, he played against Saracens in November 2022.
“I’m proud and pleased to be a part of a membership with a lot historical past and id,” Sclavi said. “I’m actually trying ahead to what’s forward at Leicester Tigers.”
Parling stated: “We understand how extremely we worth our set-piece, so we have been taking a look at somebody who may add each high quality and depth on each side of the scrum, of which Joel’s dimension and power can be an actual asset.
“After proving himself in the Top 14 he was hungry for a new challenge.”
