Leicester Tigers have secured a significant front-row signing by bringing veteran England prop Mako Vunipola back to the Premiership after his two-year stint with Vannes in the French second division.
The 35-year-old loosehead, who earned 79 England caps with his last appearance coming in 2023, will provide valuable experience to a Leicester pack that has been seeking reinforcement since losing Wales international Nicky Smith to Sale Sharks.
Vunipola's arrival at Welford Road represents a homecoming to English rugby's top flight after a decorated 13-year career with Saracens, where he captured four Premiership titles and three European Cups during the club's golden era.
The signing addresses Leicester's immediate need for front-row depth, with Vunipola set to mentor promising looseheads Tarek Haffar, 24, and Archie van der Flier, 23, who will benefit from working alongside the experienced international.
Leicester have also strengthened their front row with the signing of Argentina tighthead Joel Sclavi from Top 14 side La Rochelle. The versatile prop, who can also cover loosehead, scored for Argentina against Wales in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final.
Vunipola's Test pedigree includes selection for three British and Irish Lions tours, earning nine caps while winning one series and drawing another. He was instrumental in England's 2016 Grand Slam triumph and started in both the 2019 World Cup semi-final victory over New Zealand and the final defeat to South Africa.
The New Zealand-born prop's international future remains uncertain. In January, Vunipola told Rugby World that it would be "an honour" to represent Tonga, his parents' nation, at the next World Cup, though he stopped short of making a firm commitment.
Vunipola has also expressed interest in transitioning into coaching, telling RugbyPass last year that he had spoken to Tonga about potentially serving as an assistant to Tevita Tu'ifua at next year's World Cup.
His arrival could have implications for England's depth chart, with head coach Steve Borthwick currently relying on regulars Ellis Genge and the injured Fin Baxter at loosehead. Bevan Rodd serves as second choice behind Genge, while Emmanuel Iyogun has yet to feature in this year's Six Nations.
Leicester's recruitment comes during the inaugural season of new head coach Geoff Parling, who previously played alongside Vunipola for both England and the Lions. The Tigers currently sit fourth in the Premiership table and will welcome third-placed Bristol to Welford Road when domestic rugby returns.
Vunipola's experience and leadership will be crucial as Leicester aim to challenge for silverware, with his proven track record at the highest levels of club and international rugby providing invaluable guidance to Leicester's developing front-row talent.