Mako Vunipola, a 35-year-old prop currently playing for Vannes in France's ProD2, is moving to Leicester Tigers, bringing experience from 79 England caps and three British & Irish Lions tours. Leicester head coach Geoff Parling said Vunipola was hungry for the chance to come back to the Premiership and finish in the competition he knows best. Vunipola himself noted it still hasn't sunk in that he is joining Leicester, adding he is honoured to be part of what he described as a prestigious club with incredibly well-supported and passionate fans.
Leicester's front-row strategy includes the summer signing of Argentinian player Joel Sclavi, while Nicky Smith is switching to Sale Sharks. According to Parling, the team prides itself on its set-piece and what it does up front first, so it was important to get more options there. Exeter Chiefs have announced the signing of Sam Harris, a 22-year-old utility back from Bath, on a two-year deal.
It still hasn’t sunk in. 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.
Harris can play at fly-half or full-back, and Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter believes he will prove a significant asset and can grow into a very good rugby player. In injury news, RG Snyman, a Springbok lock who plays for Leinster and South Africa, has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and is likely to be out for the rest of the year. He sustained the injury against Glasgow Warriors this month, and he previously tore the ACL in his left knee twice during his time with Munster.
Meanwhile, the PWR domestic women's league in England is looking to extend its horizons by adding ambitious new sides from Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. The league is inviting teams or organisations to declare an interest in joining the tournament before the end of April.