RUMOUR: Tuilagi heading back to Leicester Tigers

Sunday, 01 March 2026 at 18:00

byRugby Rucker

Fred Tuilagi could be in line for a Gallagher Premiership return next season following a series of eye-catching displays for Bedford Blues in the Championship, according to RugbyPass.

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The 28-year-old No.8 — son of former Leicester Tigers forward Freddie Tuilagi and nephew of England international Manu Tuilagi — has been quietly rebuilding his stock this term.

A powerful ball-carrier with a strong defensive presence, Tuilagi has scored three tries in 17 appearances for the Blues this season, with Premiership scouts keeping a close watch on his progress.

RugbyPass reports that interest is mounting from a number of top-flight clubs, including his former side Leicester Tigers, where he previously featured seven times across the Anglo-Welsh Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup.

Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints are also understood to be monitoring the situation as they assess back-row options ahead of next season.

With his pedigree, experience and renewed form in the Championship, Tuilagi appears firmly back on the Premiership radar as clubs weigh up a potential move for the hard-hitting No.8.

The Greatest Rugby Brothers Of All-Time (Ranked 15-1)

There’s something special about brothers on a rugby field — an unspoken understanding and shared drive. From the beaches of Samoa to the heart of Twickenham, sibling duos, trios, and even quartets have helped shape the sport.

Here are fifteen of the greatest rugby brothers of all time.

15 The Dicksons (Karl & Lee)

Karl and Lee Dickson took different but parallel rugby paths. Karl, the elder, was a sharp scrum-half for Bedford Blues and Harlequins, earning England Saxons honours before becoming one of the Premiership’s top referees after retiring in 2017.

Lee, born in Germany but raised in County Durham, played for Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints, winning the Premiership in 2014. He earned 18 England caps between 2012 and 2014. Now coaching at Barnard Castle School, he continues to pass on the game’s lessons.

14 The Bergamascos (Mauro & Mirco)

Mauro and Mirco Bergamasco were key figures in Italian rugby during the 2000s. Mauro, a flanker, was known for tireless defence and physicality, while Mirco’s pace made him a threat at wing and centre.

Both played in multiple Rugby World Cups, and their partnership symbolised Italy’s competitive rise. Mirco briefly switched to rugby league and appeared with Mauro on the cover of Rugby 08, marking their prominence in the sport.

13 The Burns (Freddie & Billy)

Freddie and Billy Burns grew up in Bath and took different routes to the top. Freddie, a creative fly-half, became known for flair and nerve, notably slotting the drop goal that won Leicester Tigers the 2022 Premiership title.

Billy, more composed in style, moved to Ulster and qualified for Ireland through his grandfather, earning his first cap in 2020. Together, they represent two sides of the modern playmaker: one instinctive, one calculated.

12 The Franks (Ben & Owen)

Ben and Owen Franks were pillars of the All Blacks’ forward dominance. Both front-rowers, they combined for over 180 caps and two Rugby World Cup titles.

Owen has been one of the most technically skilled tighthead props in the game throughout his career. Ben, now retired, transitioned into coaching after a long Super Rugby and international career. Their professionalism and consistency set the benchmark for front-row standards worldwide.

11 The Johnsons (Martin & Will)

Martin and Will Johnson were mainstays of Leicester Tigers’ golden era. Martin captained England to the 2003 Rugby World Cup and twice led the British & Irish Lions, earning respect for his uncompromising leadership.

Will, a reliable No. 8, made over 200 appearances for Leicester during their dominant domestic years. Though less decorated, his impact at club level complemented his brother’s international achievements.

10 The Bests (Rory & Simon)

Simon and Rory Best both captained Ulster and Ireland, a rare distinction for siblings. Simon’s career as a prop was cut short by health issues, but he led Ulster to a Celtic League title in 2006.

Rory became one of Ireland’s longest-serving captains, earning 124 caps and touring twice with the Lions. Both built reputations on discipline, reliability, and leadership.

9 The Youngs (Tom & Ben)

The Youngs brothers defined Leicester Tigers’ modern era. Tom, originally a centre, converted successfully to hooker, captaining Leicester to the 2013 Premiership title and earning a Lions tour that same year.

Ben, a sharp and experienced scrum-half, became England’s most capped men’s player with 127 appearances. Together, they brought stability and competitiveness to both club and country.

8 The Brookes (Zinzan & Robin)

Zinzan and Robin Brooke were central to New Zealand’s success in the 1990s. Zinzan, an athletic No. 8, expanded the role with his handling and tactical kicking, scoring 17 test tries.

Robin, a reliable lock, was a key leader in the All Blacks and Auckland Blues. Their combined physicality and skill made them core figures in New Zealand’s golden era of dominance.

7 The Hastings (Gavin & Scott)

Gavin and Scott Hastings are among Scotland’s greatest rugby figures. Gavin, a fullback, captained his country with distinction and scored 667 international points, a national record at the time.

Scott, a centre, earned over 60 caps and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions. Together, they helped Scotland reach the 1991 World Cup semi-final and remain respected ambassadors for the sport.

6 The Ntamacks (Émile & Francis)

Émile and Francis Ntamack became symbols of Toulouse and French rugby’s rise in the 1990s. Émile, a versatile back, captained Toulouse to the first Heineken Cup victory in 1996 and starred for France at international level.

Francis, a back-row forward, was a steady performer for Toulouse. The legacy continues through Émile’s son Romain, France’s current fly-half, keeping the family name at the sport’s forefront.

5 The Vunipolas (Mako & Billy)

The Vunipola family bridges two rugby generations and two nations. Fe’ao, Elisi, and Manu represented Tonga at Rugby World Cups in the 1990s. Fe’ao later moved to Wales, where his sons Mako and Billy were raised.

Mako, a loosehead prop, has earned over 70 caps for England and toured twice with the Lions. Billy, a powerful No. 8, became one of the game’s most effective ball carriers. Both were central to Saracens’ sustained success in recent years and both now play in France, Mako for Vannes and Billy for Montpellier.

4 The Whitelocks (Sam, George, Luke & Adam)

The Whitelock brothers are a cornerstone of New Zealand rugby. Sam, with over 130 All Blacks caps and multiple World Cups, is one of the most decorated players in history.

Eldest brother George captained Canterbury to several titles, while Luke played for both the Crusaders and Highlanders. Adam, the only back, represented New Zealand in sevens. Their shared professionalism and work ethic define the modern All Black culture.

3 The Currys (Tom & Ben)

Twins Tom and Ben Curry have been central to Sale Sharks’ and England’s back-row strength. Both are known for defensive work and breakdown precision.

Tom debuted for England at 18 and became one of the youngest forwards to play at a World Cup, also playing for the Lions later on in his career. Ben followed soon after, earning caps for England. Their teamwork and near-identical playing styles make them one of the sport’s most unique partnerships.

2 The Barretts (Beauden, Scott & Jordie)

Beauden, Scott, and Jordie Barrett have redefined family success in rugby. Beauden, a two-time World Player of the Year, has been a key playmaker for the All Blacks.

Scott, a lock, combines power with skill, while Jordie offers versatility across the backline and a reliable long-range boot. Their father, Kevin, played for Taranaki, continuing a family rugby tradition. The Barretts’ combined impact has been unmatched in recent All Black history.

1 The Tuilagis (Manu, Alesana, Anitelea, Freddie, Henry & Vavae)

The Tuilagi brothers’ story is one of global influence and family pride. Alesana, Anitelea, Freddie, Henry, and Vavae all represented Samoa, with several playing together at Leicester Tigers, where their strength and direct style became renowned.

Manu, the youngest, took the legacy further with England and the British & Irish Lions, earning a reputation as one of the game’s most powerful centres. Together, the Tuilagis stand as rugby’s most prolific family, combining Pacific Island heritage with professional excellence.

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