Tonga international Valentino Mapapalangi to join Leicester Tigers

Tonga international Valentino Mapapalangi is all set to feature for Aviva Premiership club Leicester Tigers in the upcoming season.

The 24-year-old was made his professional rugby debut with ITM Cup competing side Manawatu in 2015 and was also part of the training squad of Super Rugby sides Chiefs and Hurricanes.

His first international appearance for Tonga came in 2016 against Spain in Madrid and has overall played six Tests with three games as a replacement. He will be joined by his Tonga team-mates Telusa Veainu and Sione Kalamafoni at the Welford Road outfit.

Leicester Tigers head coach Matt O'Connor, who worked with the Tonga squad in 2016 is aware of the skill and potential that Mapapalangi possess.

“Valentino is a very talented young player with a lot of potential to grow and develop with us.

“He is a physical player on both sides of the ball, a strong ball-carrier and can provide us with a useful option in the forward pack.

“We’re looking forward to bringing him in during pre-season and working with him ahead of the 2017/18 programme.”

Earlier, Leicester Tigers also confirmed the signing of England international Jonny May ahead of the upcoming season with the club's former captain Ed Slater moving to Kingsholm.