London Scottish have announced the signing of the Tuilagi brothers, Fred and Brian, for the 2020/21 season.
The duo boast arguably the most famous surname in the sport and come from a rich rugby dynasty.
Fred and Brian’s father is former Leicester Tigers and Samoan legend, Freddie Tuilagi. One of their uncles is the England superstar Manu Tuilagi.
✍️Next to put pen to paper are brothers Brian and Fred Tuilagi!!
— London Scottish Rugby (@LSFCOfficial) June 17, 2020
It’s the first time that the two have played at the same club!
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The older of the two brothers, Brian (aged 26), plays anywhere in the back five of the scrum, and is as equally happy at lock or in the back row. He joins us from Mogliano Rugby in the Italian Top12 competition. Before that the 6ft 3, 117kg battering ram enjoyed two seasons at French side U.S Dax in Pro D 2.
During his early career Brian spent two years in the Leicester Tigers academy, before moving to the Newcastle Falcons academy and then to Saracens, where he made his firstXV debut against Leicester Tigers in the 2016 season.
Fred, the younger brother by three years, spent last season playing for Italian Top 12 side Rugby Colorno.
The 6ft 3, 120kg number 8 previously spent six years at Leicester Tigers, progressing from the academy to follow in the Tuilagi footsteps and make his pro debut against Bath in the LV Cup in 2016.
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DYNASTY | Getting to know Every Tuilagi sibling
THE TUILAGI BROTHERS
1. Anitelea Tuilagi
Age: 33
Rugby career: The versatile back began his career at Leicester Tigers in 2005, but after failing to break into the first team, subsequently joined Leeds for an impressive two seasons. He then joined Sale Sharks for three years before short stints with Newport, Newcastle Falcons and French side Tarbes. The powerhouse also won 15 caps for Samoa between 2005 and 2015.
Post rugby: Now back in Samoa with his family.
Did you know? Tuilagi became the youngest player to play for Samoa at aged 19 years and 27 days when he made his debut in July 2005 against Tonga, where he scored a try to also become the youngest player ever to score for Samoa.
2. Alesana Tuilagi
Age: 39
Rugby career: The 37-cap Samoa international began his career in Italy with Parma; playing for the club between 2002 and 2004. Following an excellent eight years playing for Leicester Tigers, scoring 58 tries and winning a shed load of silverware, he joined Japanese side NTT Communications Shining Arcs in 2012. The winger then spent two seasons with Newcastle Falcons before ending his career following a short stint with Toulon.
Playing style: As an incredibly strong player, the winger used his blend of pace and power to good effect, proving a nightmare for many defences. Such a combination of speed and strength makes him very difficult for defences to handle.
Post rugby: He is now living in Samoa with his beautiful young family
Did you know? The winger was part of the Samoan squad that beat Australia 32 – 23 on 17 July 2011 at Sydney in a test match. Tuilagi made the opening try as Samoa ran in 4 tries to Australia’s two.