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Just hours after Tuilagi's Sharks signing, Tigers release first image of Nemani Nadolo in training

By Josh Raisey
Nemani Nadolo has arrived at Leicester Tigers. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)

As Leicester Tigers continue to witness their former players signing for new clubs, there has been a welcome addition to Oval Park this week. The Tigers’ flagship summer signing Nemani Nadolo has begun training with his new team as they prepare for the Gallagher Premiership’s return next month.

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It is hard to put a positive spin on the mass exodus that happened at Welford Road at the beginning of the month, which saw Manu Tuilagi, Telusa Veainu, Kyle Eastmond, Noel Reid and Greg Bateman depart, but the arrival of the Fijian is encouraging news.

Leicester shared a photo on social media of the 32-year-old training; the same day it was announced that Tuilagi had joined rivals Sale Sharks.

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Reds scrumhalf Tate McDermott interview

Reds scrumhalf Tate McDermott speaks ahead of Super Rugby AU Week Three, when Queensland faces the Western Force on Friday

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Reds scrumhalf Tate McDermott interview

Reds scrumhalf Tate McDermott speaks ahead of Super Rugby AU Week Three, when Queensland faces the Western Force on Friday

New head coach Steve Borthwick will know the job that lies ahead for him, particularly as the Tigers had already parted with Jonny May and Jonah Holmes before the recent crisis, leaving them thin on the ground in back three players.

Fortunately, the 29-cap Fijian is capable of playing on the wing or in the centres, and such versatility may be crucial in a team that could be sparse in some positions.

Additionally, at 6ft 5ins and over 20st, Nadolo will provide the physicality in the back line that has now been reduced with Tuilagi’s exit.

A disappointing thing for many Leicester supporters, and indeed any neutral viewers, is the possibility of a Tuilagi-Nadolo midfield combination has now been extinguished.

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Nadolo has been bulldozing opposition defences for four years now in Europe having arrived at Montpellier in 2016, and has been one of the most eagerly anticipated signings of the summer ever since it was announced in March.

He will be ready for when the league resumes in August, with Leicester sitting in 11th place, although in a season where they cannot be relegated.

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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