British and Irish Lions and England star Mako Vunipola talks about the latest signings at PREM Rugby as he joins Leicester Tigers, who have announced two more signings, while Harlequins add to their forward line.
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Mako Vunipola makes a PREM comeback with Leicester Tigers
Mako Vunipola will return to PREM next season, after signing a deal with Leicester Tigers for next season.
The experienced prop will bring plenty of Test and PREM experience with him to Mattioli Woods at Welford Road, boasting 79 caps for England and nine Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions in three series. He also made 234 appearances for Saracens before leaving, helping the club win four PREM titles, three Investec Champions Cups and one RFU Championship title.
His signing for Leicester also marks his return to the English top flight after two seasons with French side Vannes, where he made 32 appearances at the time of writing in the Top 14 and ProD2.
Speaking about joining the Tigers, Vunipola said: “It hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s something I can’t imagine, but I’m proud to be part of this famous club.”
“The Tigers are a very well-supported club and the fans are very passionate about their rugby.”
“There’s history behind the club. Every time you play Mattioli Woods at Welford Road, you face a big challenge – that’s something I can’t wait to experience.”
Commenting, Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling added: “Firstly, it’s great to welcome someone of Mako’s experience and quality into the next squad.
Secondly, he is an outstanding player who will add real value to the team. He will be here to play and play well, but it will also be an opportunity for the young looseheads to develop and learn from someone who has played in the game regularly, and he is also happy to help our young academy players push their careers forward.
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Harlequins writes about Ruan Swiegers’ hard-headedness
Harlequins have added more depth to their front line for next season, with South African prop Ruan ‘Sampie’ Swiegers heading to West London.
The 27-year-old will join Quins from the Pumas club, and will head to the Stoop at the end of the 2026 Currie Cup campaign.
He is also the latest Pumas full-back to be signed by a top European club, with full-back Ruwald van der Merwe heading to Glasgow Warriors next season.
Speaking about joining Quins, Swiegers said: “I am incredibly grateful and humbled to sign for Harlequins.” This is a dream come true for me.
“But I never stopped believing or putting in the work. Playing rugby at the highest level has always been my goal, and to have this opportunity now with a club like Harlequins is something I don’t take for granted.
“Thank you 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 the support system I had along the way, nothing would have been possible.
As Dad 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 has a good level of age and is coming into his senior years as a tough guy.
“He’s a project player for us and you know he’s got a tough job to get him where we want him to be, but we’re happy to have him in our environment. He’s a big body, he likes to mix and match, so that gives us a good feeling.
“We have experience in the front row with Adam Jones and Matt Ferguson in the building, so we are confident he will receive the quality training required for his development.”
The Tigers continue to strengthen their ranks with the signings of Joe Jenkins and Jack Doorey-Palmer
Vunipola is not the only new face heading to Mattioli Woods at Welford Road for next season, either, with Bristol Bears back Joe Jenkins and Harlequins winger Jack Doorey-Palmer also joining the Tigers.
The pair both bring a wealth of experience with them to the East Midlands, with Jenkins making 33 appearances for Bristol since starting in the 2022/23 season, while Doorey-Palmer has made two appearances for Quins as well as loan spells with CHAMP sides Cambridge and London Scottish.
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Speaking about his move to the Tigers, Jenkins said: “After meeting Geoff, it became clear that moving to Leicester was the right rugby move for me to continue as a player.” I believe that the way Geoff wants his centers to play will suit my style of play.
“I am very excited about the coming seasons and playing a big part in the future success of Leicester.”
Regarding Jenkins, Parling added: “Joe is a big, strong body with a lot of ability.
“We are still open that we want to move the ball more and Joe will add another dimension, while it is also a good age to build understanding and cohesion with our exciting back line.”
Speaking about joining Leicester, Doorey-Palmer said: “It’s amazing to have signed for Leicester Tigers. I’m really excited to get started.”
I always knew the Tigers were a great team. Mattioli Woods Welford Road looks great, it’s the best in PREM and I’m happy to play there.
Regarding the signing, head coach Parling added: “Jack comes in highly recommended for his attitude and willingness to learn.”
“He knows he’s going to have to compete every day to make the most of that opportunity and we can’t wait to see what he can do in our area.”
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