Leicester Tigers confirm eight new signings ahead of 2026/27 season
Rugby NewsTuesday, 08 September 2026 at 15:24
Leicester Tigers have undergone a significant squad refresh ahead of the new PREM Rugby campaign, bringing in a mixture of international experience and exciting young talent.
Geoff Parling has had some sizeable holes to fill following the departures of George Martin, Hanro Liebenberg, Nicky Smith and Harry Wells, among others.
Tigers have responded by adding Wales international Aaron Wainwright alongside experienced front-row duo Mako Vunipola and Joel Sclavi, while several younger players have also arrived at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
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Here is a closer look at every new Leicester Tigers signing.
Aaron Wainwright – Dragons
Arguably the headline addition of Leicester's summer business.
The Wales international arrives from Dragons and gives Parling another top-level option across the back row.
Wainwright's ability to play blindside flanker or number eight should prove particularly valuable following the departure of former captain Hanro Liebenberg.
He also joins a back-row group already containing the likes of Tommy Reffell, Olly Cracknell and Joaquín Moro.
Elliott Stooke – Red Hurricanes Osaka
Leicester needed experience in the second row after losing George Martin to Saracens and long-serving Harry Wells to Bedford Blues.
Step forward Elliott Stooke.
The former Bath and Wasps lock returns to English rugby following his spell in Japan with Red Hurricanes Osaka and provides an experienced option alongside Ollie Chessum and Cameron Henderson.
Jack Doorey-Palmer – Harlequins
One for the future.
Doorey-Palmer makes the switch from Harlequins and joins a competitive group of hookers at Welford Road.
With Jamie Blamire, Charlie Clare and Finn Theobald-Thomas already among Leicester's options, the youngster will have plenty of competition for minutes.
Joe Jenkins – Bristol Bears
A potentially shrewd piece of business.
Jenkins arrives from Bristol Bears to strengthen Leicester's midfield and can operate at both inside and outside centre.
The youngster joins a Tigers centre group containing Orlando Bailey, Solomone Kata, Will Wand and Joseph Woodward, giving the club considerable depth in the position.
Joel Sclavi – La Rochelle
Another hugely experienced addition to Leicester's front row.
Argentina international Sclavi arrives from French giants La Rochelle and gives Tigers another powerful tighthead option alongside England international Joe Heyes.
His experience of playing at the highest level in France and Europe could make him particularly useful as Leicester balance their PREM and Champions Cup campaigns.
Mako Vunipola – Vannes
Certainly the most recognisable name among Leicester's new arrivals.
Former England and British & Irish Lions prop Mako Vunipola returns to English rugby following his time in France with Vannes.
With Nicky Smith departing for Sale Sharks, the veteran loosehead provides Leicester with enormous experience as well as competition for Tarek Haffar.
Sam Moli – Moana Pasifika
Leicester have further strengthened their hooking options with the arrival of Tonga international Sam Moli.
Moli makes the move from Moana Pasifika and adds another physical presence to what is becoming a particularly deep Tigers front row.
His arrival also gives Parling additional cover during what promises to be another demanding campaign across domestic and European competition.
Jack Bowen – NSW Waratahs
One Tigers supporters will have to wait a little longer to see.
Australian playmaker Jack Bowen has agreed to join Leicester from the NSW Waratahs, but is listed as arriving for the 2027/28 season rather than the upcoming campaign.
The young fly-half therefore looks like a longer-term piece of recruitment as Leicester plan beyond the current season.
Other transfers:
- Kyle Sinckler wanted by PREM clubs as major stumbling block emerges
- Rugby transfer round-up: Henry Pollock going nowhere as major moves confirmed
- Malcolm Marx one of multiple Springboks stars set to quit
- Bristol Bears prepare move for England and Saracens forward
- PREM Rugby’s 10 best signings of the season (Ranked)
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