The Tuilagi Brothers – Alesana, Anitelea, Freddie, Henry, Sanele Vavae and Manu
The first family to have six brothers play professional rugby, the Tuilagi name is an instantly recognisable dynasty which has been instilling fear into opponents for the best part of the last 20 years. Five of the brothers; Alesana, Anitelea, Freddie, Henry and Sanele Vavae have all represented Samoa at the highest level.
Youngest brother Manu has gone on to be one of England’s most formidable players in the centre. Manu Tuilagi has also represented the British & Irish Lions, appearing on the 2013 tour to Australia. The Tuilagi name holds a legacy at Welford Road, as all six brothers have represented Leicester Tigers at some stage in their career.
Manu was the latest to wear the famous green, red and white stripes, as he represented Leicester from 2009 to 2020, before a recent move to Sale Sharks. The brothers are known for their fearsome physicality, embodying the Samoan spirit in every tackle and carry they make. Anitelea Tuilagi became the youngest player to ever represent and score for Samoa, as he ran out a try on his debut against Pacific Island rivals Tonga, aged just 19 years and 27 days.
Alesana Tuilagi was apart of Leicester Tigers most successful era, winning the Premiership three times, and the Anglo-Welsh Cup twice between 2004 and 2012. Alesana was also apart of Samoa’s famous 32-23 victory over Australia in 2011, and scored the opening try from the wing.
Henry Tuilagi was known for his enormous strength, and is one of the strongest athletes in sporting history whose career was not dedicated to powerlifting. At his peak, he bench pressed 250 kg (551 lb for several reps. Henry Tuilagi was a cross code player, also making international appearances for Samoa’s Rugby League side.
Sanele Vavae represented Leicester Tigers the least amount out of his brothers, making just three appearances between 2007 and 2009. ‘Andy’ then headed to France for the remainder of his career, playing in the Top 14 and D2 with Narbonne and joining US Carcassonne in 2013.
Freddie Tuilagi completes this eclectic list of rugby’s greatest brothers. Freddie began his playing career at Leicester Tigers in the year 2000, and won three consecutive Premiership titles in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Freddie also achieved two European Champions Cup winners medals, as the Tigers did the double in 2001 and 2002. Freddie left Leicester in 2004, before playing at Cardiff Blues and later with Castres in the Top 14.