Ex-England prop Mako Vunipola still in disbelief over latest move

Former England international Mako Vuni­pola, 35, admits he can hardly believe his luck after swapping Vannes in France’s Pro D2 for Leicester Tigers.

A busy day of recruitment at Welford Road, which also saw La Rochelle’s Argentinean prop, Joel Sclavi, and Bristol centre Joe Jenkins added to the squad for next season, was rounded off with Vunipola’s signature on a one-year deal.

Vunipola, who won the last of his 79 Eng­land caps in 2023, has been brought in to not only replace Sale Sharks-bound loose-head, Nicky Smith, but also serve as a mentor to the club’s younger props.

“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,” the ex-Saracens player said.

“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.”

Head coach Geoff Parling commented: “Obviously it’s been common knowledge we are losing Nicky Smith (to Sale Sharks), and Tonga Kofe has already gone back to the USA. You know how much we pride ourselves on our set-piece, what we do upfront first. So I think it was just important to get some more options around there.

“Mako is highly experienced, I know him well, and after conversations with him, he was hungry to come back for a year in the PREM and to finish his career, if that happens, with us.

“Also, there’s the bonus of him helping our younger props in the first team squad, and we’ll use him a bit in the academy as well, helping them and mentoring them.”