Former England loose-head prop Mako Vunipola to join Leicester Tigers as Gallagher PREM club announce four new recruits for next season
ByTNT UK
Published 31/03/2026 at 22:11 GMT+1
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Mako Vunipola will return to the Gallagher PREM next season after Leicester Tigers announced he will join from French Pro D2 leaders Vannes. The 35-year-old moved to France in 2024, after 13 years at Saracens. The former England prop is one of four new recruits, with La Rochelle's Joel Sclavi, Bristol Bears centre Joe Jenkins and Harlequins hooker Jack Doorey-Palmer also moving to Welford Road.
Highlights: Tigers triumph in roaring PREM clash with Bears to move into third
Video credit: TNT Sports
Mako Vunipola says he is "honoured" to be joining Leicester Tigers this summer after agreeing to extend his illustrious career by a year.
The former England loose-head prop appeared to have waved goodbye to top-flight rugby in his country when he left Saracens in July 2024 to join Vannes in France's ProD2.
But the 35-year-old could not turn down the opportunity to return to the Gallagher PREM, presented to him by Tigers head coach Geoff Parling.
The East Midlands club have reacted swiftly to fill the gap left by Nicky Smith's imminent switch to Sale Sharks, with Vunipola set to be joined by Argentinian front-row Joel Sclavi once La Rochelle's season comes to an end.
"It still hasn't sunk in," said Vunipola, who has earned 79 caps for England.
"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."
At the peak of his powers, Vunipola was picked for three British & Irish Lions tours while he was also part of the England side that finished runners-up at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
He now reunites with Parling, with whom he played alongside for England under Stuart Lancaster.
”He was hungry for the chance to come back to the PREM and finish in the comp he knows best,” explained Parling.
”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. We pride ourselves on our set-piece and what we do up front first so it was important to get some more options there.
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"He's a proven international loose-head that is looking for a place that can get the best from him whilst offering the opportunity to play in big games. He's an outstanding character that will add real value to the group."
Vunipola is one of four new faces heading to Welford Road this summer, with Bristol Bears centre Joe Jenkins and Harlequins hooker Jack Doorey-Palmer also making the switch.
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Highlights: Leicester rout Exeter to win PREM Rugby Cup
Video credit: TNT Sports
It is arguably the arrival of Sclavi, however, which will excite fans the most.
The 31-year-old is a two-time Champions Cup winner with La Rochelle, where he also lifted the Top 14 title, and has earned 33 caps for his country.
"I'm proud and happy to be part of a club with so much history and identity," said Sclavi, who was part of the Argentina side who beat the Lions last summer.
Parling added: "We know how highly we value our set-piece, so we were looking at someone who could add both quality and depth on both sides of the scrum, of which Joel's size and strength will be a real asset.
"After proving himself in the Top 14, he was hungry for a new challenge."
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and HBO Max
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