British and Irish Lions and England star Mako Vunipola headlines the latest bout of PREM Rugby signings as he joins Leicester Tigers, who have announced two further signings, while Harlequins add to their front row stocks.
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Mako Vunipola makes PREM return with Leicester Tigers
Mako Vunipola will make a sensational return to the PREM next season, after signing a deal with Leicester Tigers for next season.
The experienced prop will bring heaps of Test and PREM experience with him to Mattioli Woods Welford Road, boasting 79 caps for England and nine Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions across three series. He also made 234 appearances for Saracens prior to his departure, helping the club win four PREM titles, three Investec Champions Cups and one RFU Championship title in the process.
His signing for Leicester also marks his return to the English top flight after two seasons with French side Vannes, where he has made 32 appearances at the time of writing across both the Top 14 and ProD2.
Commenting on joining the Tigers, Vunipola said: “It still hasn’t sunk in. It’s something that I would never have envisaged, but I am honoured to be part of this prestigious club.”
“Tigers are an incredibly well-supported club, and those fans are so passionate about their rugby.”
“There is a history behind the club. Whenever you play at Mattioli Woods Welford Road you’re in for a huge challenge – it’s something I can’t wait to experience.”
Also commenting, Leicester Tigers head coach, Geoff Parling, added: “Firstly, it’s great to welcome someone of Mako’s experience and quality into the squad next season. He’s a proven international loosehead 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.”
“Secondly, he’s an outstanding character that will add real value to the group. He will be here to play and play well, but it will also be an opportunity for our young looseheads to develop and learn from someone who has repeatedly performed at the top of the game, and he’s also excited to help with our younger academy players to push their careers forwards.”
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Harlequins draft in tighthead Ruan Swiegers
Harlequins have added further depth to their front-row stock for next season, with South African prop Ruan ‘Sampie’ Swiegers heading to South West London.
The 27-year-old tighthead will join Quins from club side Pumas, and will head to the Stoop at the end of the 2026 Currie Cup campaign.
He is also the latest Pumas man to be signed by a top European club, with back-rower Ruwald van der Merwe headed to Glasgow Warriors next season.
Commenting on joining Quins, Swiegers said: “I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to sign with Harlequins. This is a dream come true for me. I’ve worked hard for many years, often taking the long road, and there were times where things weren’t certain.
“But I never stopped believing or putting in the work. Playing rugby at the highest level has always been my goal, and to now have that opportunity with a Club like Harlequins is something I don’t take for granted. I look forward to applying my skills to support the team’s success and be a great teammate.
“I’m thankful to everyone who supported me along the way – my wife, my parents, my family, coaches, and teammates – for believing in me and helping me get to this point. Without these people and support system I had along the way, nothing would’ve been possible.
“Thank you for the opportunity. Like my father always says, ‘it’s harder to stay there than to get there’ – the hard work starts now!”
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Quins’ head coach, Jason Gilmore, added: “Sampie’s got a good age profile and is moving into his peak years as a tighthead. He starts the puzzle of getting our tight-five to what we want to look like over the next 12 months – certainly getting him and James Dun on that tighthead side of the scrum is a positive.
“He’s a project player for us and he knows he’s got some hard work to get him where we want him to be, but we’re excited to have him in our environment. He’s big body, loves contact and the set-piece, so that bodes well for us.
“We’ve got some experience in the front row as well as Adam Jones and Matt Ferguson in the building, so we’re confident he’ll received the quality coaching required for his development.”
Tigers further bolster ranks as Joe Jenkins and Jack Doorey-Palmer sign
Vunipola isn’t the only new face heading to Mattioli Woods Welford Road for next season, either, with Bristol Bears back Joe Jenkins and Harlequins hooker Jack Doorey-Palmer also joining the Tigers.
The pair both bring decent experience with them to the East Midlands, with Jenkins making 33 appearances for Bristol since his debut in the 2022/23 season, while Doorey-Palmer has made two appearances for Quins alongside loan spells with CHAMP sides Cambridge and London Scottish.
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Commenting on his switch to the Tigers, Jenkins said: “Having met with Geoff, it was clear that moving to Leicester was the correct rugby move for me to develop further as a player. I believe the way that Geoff wants his centres to play will suit my style of play.
“I’m very excited about the coming seasons and playing a big part in future success at Leicester.”
Of Jenkins, Parling added: “Joe is a big powerful body with huge potential. He made his starting PREM debut at only 19 and whilst he has consistently performed well, he knows that there is much more to come from him.
“We’ve been open in that we are looking to move the ball more and Joe will add another dimension, whilst also being a great age to build understanding and cohesion with our current young and exciting back line.”
Also commenting on joining Leicester, Doorey-Palmer said:“It’s surreal to have signed for Leicester Tigers. I am absolutely buzzing to get started.”
“I always knew that Tigers was a massive club. Mattioli Woods Welford Road looks awesome, it’s the best in the PREM and I’m very excited about playing there.”
Of the hooker, head coach Parling added: “Jack comes as someone recommended for his attitude and willingness to learn.”
“He knows that he’ll have to compete every day to make the most of the opportunity and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in our environment.”