Leicester Tigers have signed former England loose-head prop Mako Vunipola.
The 35-year-old, presently with French Professional 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’s in his second season enjoying in Brittany. He moved to Vannes after 13 years at Saracens, the place he gained 4 Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups.
“It is nice to welcome somebody of Mako’s expertise and high quality into the squad subsequent season,” Tigers boss Geoff Parling mentioned.
“He is a confirmed worldwide loose-head that’s hungry to come back again to the Prem to complete his profession and is on the lookout for a spot that may get the perfect from him while providing the chance to play in large video games.
“He is an excellent character that can add actual worth to the group.”
Vunipola mentioned it was a transfer he “would by no means have envisaged”, including he was “honoured to be a part of this prestigious membership”.
Sclavi, 31, has gained the Champions Cup twice with French aspect La Rochelle, in addition to the High 14, and has performed 33 instances for his nation.
Doorey-Palmer, 22, is a product of Harlequins’ academy and has been on mortgage at Champ membership Cambridge this season.
Jenkins, additionally 22, is a former England Beneath-20 worldwide and have become the youngest participant to ever begin for Bristol within the Premiership when, at 18, he performed in opposition to Saracens in November 2022.
“I am proud and comfortable to be a part of a membership with a lot historical past and identification,” Sclavi mentioned. “I’m actually trying ahead to what’s forward at Leicester Tigers.”
Parling mentioned: “We all know how extremely we worth our set-piece, so we had 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 energy will likely be an actual asset.
“After proving himself within the High 14 he was hungry for a brand new problem.”
