Leicester Tigers sign Tabua Tuinakauvadra ahead of 2026/27 season

Leicester Tigers Women have confirmed the signing of Wallaroos forward Tabua Tuinakauvadra ahead of the 2026/27 PREM Women’s Rugby season.

Tabua Tuinakauvadra Joins Leicester Tigers

Tuinakauvadra will join Leicester from the ACT Brumbies after emerging as one of Australian rugby’s standout forwards.

The 23-year-old was named Wallaroos Player of the Year in 2025 and is expected to add power, ball-carrying strength and physical presence to the Tigers squad.

Her move is part of a wider agreement that allows a select group of Wallaroos players to join PREM Women’s Rugby clubs during the Australian off-season.

"With a home Rugby World Cup on the horizon, Rugby Australia is committed to exposing the Wallaroos to world-class competition wherever possible," said Peter Horne, Rugby Australia's director of high performance.

"Gaining experience in a competition like the PWR will be invaluable for the players' development."

Tigers have also retained key players for next season, including USA Women’s Eagles back Tess Feury and Wallaroos forward Jemima McCalman.

Tuinakauvadra is on track to return for the ACT Brumbies during the Super Rugby Women’s season before joining Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2026/27 PWR campaign. Her Leicester contract will run until the end of April 2027, allowing her to return to Australia for the Pacific Four Series and Super Rugby Women’s commitments.