Leicester Tigers have signed former England loose-head prop Mako Vunipola.
The 35-year-old, currently with French Pro D2 leaders Vannes, has agreed to join Tigers for next season along 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 involved in three British and Irish Lions tours.
He is in his second season playing in Brittany. He moved to Vannes after 13 years at Saracens, where he won four 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 said.
“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 outstanding character that will add real value to the group.”
Vunipola said it was a move he “would never have envisaged”, adding he was “honoured to be part of this prestigious club”.
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 happy to be part of a club with so much history and identity,” Sclavi said. “I am really looking forward to what is ahead at Leicester Tigers.”
Parling said: “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.”
