Mako Vunipola joins Leicester Tigers after considering retirement
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 9:37 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
Former England prop Mako Vunipola has signed with the Leicester Tigers following a conversation with head coach Geoff Parling that prompted the 35-year-old to reverse his plans to retire. Vunipola spent the last two years playing in France with Vannes after departing Saracens. Parling, a former teammate of Vunipola, recruited the front-rower to provide experience and leadership for the Tigers' pack. The club is currently managing the physical workload of their new signing, who recently made his debut in a Prem Cup match against Harlequins. Despite his return to the Premiership, Vunipola stated he has no intention of pursuing an international comeback to add to his 79 England caps. He remains focused on his role with the East Midlands club for the current campaign.
- •Mako Vunipola planned to retire from professional rugby after his stint in France.
- •A phone call from Geoff Parling convinced Vunipola to join the Leicester Tigers.
- •Vunipola made his debut for the club in a recent Prem Cup loss to Harlequins.
- •The 35-year-old front-rower confirmed he is not targeting a return to international duty.
- 9:37 AMYahoo Sports — Vunipola was set to retire before Leicester move
- 9:37 AMBBC Sport — Prop Vunipola set to retire before Leicester move
"Former England prop Mako Vunipola was planning to retire as a player before a phone call from from Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling changed his mind.
"Former England prop Mako Vunipola was planning to retire as a player before a phone call from from Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling changed his mind.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 9:37 AMVunipola was set to retire before Leicester move
Former England prop Mako Vunipola was planning to retire as a player before a phone call from from Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling changed his mind.
- BBC SportSep 11, 2026, 9:37 AMProp Vunipola set to retire before Leicester move
Former England prop Mako Vunipola was planning to retire as a player before a phone call from from Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling changed his mind.
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