Nephi Leatigaga


Nephi Tupou Leatigaga is a Samoan rugby union prop for Leicester Tigers in England's Premiership Rugby, the top tier. He has previously played for Biarritz Olympique in France's Pro D2 and for Piacenza in Italy. He has played five internationals for in 2016 and 2017.

Career

Leatigaga was born in Samoa; he first played for Mt Wellington RFC and Auckland Rugby Union in New Zealand. After impressing for Samoa 'A' he was called up for 's November 2016 touring squad. He made his international debut on 25 November 2016 against in a 25-23 win at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, France. On 18 January 2017 he joined Rugby Lyons Piacenza in Italy's Super 10 On 15 June 2017 his signature was announced by Biarritz Olympique. After a season in France his signature for Leicester was widely reported in the French media in July 2018, which prompted Biarritz to release a statement claiming his agent was unregistered which the agent denied, saying he was registered with the RFU allowing him to sign the player to an English club.
His signing for the 2019-20 season was confirmed by Leicester Tigers on 6 May 2019.