Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of three forwards for the 2015/16 season.The Tigers will welcome Opeti Fonua from London Welsh, Mike Williams from Worcester Warriors and Brendon O’Connor from the Blues in New Zealand as new signings this summer.
A 28-year-old Tonga international, back-rower Fonua spent almost a decade in France with Auch, Agen and Bayonne before moving into the Aviva Premiership with London Welsh this season.
Zimbabwe-born but English qualified, 23-year-old Williams has played at both lock and flanker in almost 40 appearances with Worcester Warriors in the last two seasons after playing for the Tuks and the Blue Bulls in South Africa.
Back-rower O’Connor, 25, is also English-qualified and has played Super 15 rugby with the Crusaders and the Blues in Auckland as well as captaining Hawkes Bay to their Ranfurly Shield victory in 2014. He is a former New Zealand Under-20s cap and World Junior Championship winner.
Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: “Our priority is to have a strong finish to the current season, but alongside that we are also working hard on recruitment and retention of players in the squad ahead next season.
“The back five in the scrum is an area where we have been looking to build strength in depth and I’m delighted that we can confirm three new signings for next season.
“Opeti Fonua is a powerful ball-carrier with great physicality in his game. He is a big man and a formidable presence in the back row with a lot of experience in European rugby.
“Mike Williams is powerful and abrasive playing at lock or as a blindside flanker, while Brendon O’Connor is a classic Kiwi openside who is very highly regarded within New Zealand.
“We’re sure all three signings will have a big impact in the squad and, as a coaching team, we look forward to working with them and new head coach Aaron Mauger.”
News
Trio of signings added to Tigers squad
10 February 2015 8:02 AM

Share this article
More news
Articles
Trio of signings added to Tigers squad
10 February 2015 8:02 AM
Team News | Chessum returns for Saracens clash
28 March 2025 11:07 AM
Game Plan | A Sunday afternoon with Saracens
24 March 2025 2:30 PM
Season Tickets 25/26 | Play Your Part
3 March 2025 2:00 PM
Preview | Sunday showdown at Mattioli Woods Welford Road
27 March 2025 3:58 PM
Jones set for Red Roses starting XV against Wales
27 March 2025 3:00 PM
Trio of Tigers retained for Scotland's second Six Nations match
27 March 2025 12:00 PM
International Round-Up | Pack power helps Tigers to winning starts
24 March 2025 9:30 AM
SUNDAY SHOWDOWN
Renewed: Ilione pens new deal with Tigers
25 March 2025 1:18 PM
Renewed: Tommy Reffell re-signs with Leicester Tigers
25 March 2025 1:29 PM