Leicester Tigers sign France international prop Coco Lindelauf from Blagnac for PWR campaign

Leicester Tigers have signed France international loosehead prop Coco Lindelauf from AXA Elite 1 Féminine club Blagnac SCR, the Premiership Women’s Rugby side announced this week. The 25-year-old, who has earned 15 caps for France, joins ahead of the 2026/27 season after six years with the French club.

Lindelauf was born in the Netherlands and moved to southern France at the age of six when her parents established a bed and breakfast business. She developed as a versatile forward, playing in the back row and at lock before settling at loosehead prop. She made her Test debut for France against South Africa in 2021 and went on to represent her country at the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Her most recent international appearance came in October 2023, when France faced New Zealand in the WXV 1 finale at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

Leicester’s Director of Rugby, Fraser Goatcher, highlighted the qualities that attracted the club to the signing. “Coco is going to bring very good international experience to us,” he said. “She’s going to bring that scrummaging prowess that we’re looking for, and out-and-out work rate around the pitch. As with all of our squad, she’s a good human being and that’s what we want in our environment.”

Lindelauf expressed enthusiasm about the move. “I’m very excited and proud to join Leicester Tigers for the 2026/27 season,” she said. “It’s a club with a great history and strong values. The dynamic around the team looks really positive, and I’m really looking forward to joining the group, challenging myself in a new environment and contributing to the team’s ambitions.”

The signing is the second Leicester have announced since the club reaffirmed its commitment to the women’s programme. The club also recently confirmed that current Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra will join from October through to April next season.

Leicester close out their current PWR campaign this Sunday with a home fixture against East Midlands rivals Loughborough Lightning.