Archie Vanes made his first trip to watch Leicester Tigers at Welford Road at the age of 10 and came through the academy system to join the Development squad in 2019/20.

Originally a back-rower but now settled at hooker, Archie played in the age-groups at Melbourne RFC in Derbyshire – including a trip to Welford Road in the Prima Cup – and then with Ashby, where he shared in a County Cup triumph.

He joined the Tigers’ Developing Player Programme at Hinckley and joined the Tigers Academy after impressing at the Wellington Festival.

He was among four Tigers academy players selected for the England Under-18 development tour to South Africa in the August 2019.

Getting to know you

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Super strength would be good as a hooker.

What fillings would you add to your perfect sandwich?
Bacon, egg and black pudding with ketchup. Perfect.

What three things would you want if you were stuck in a desert island?
Swimming trunks, a rugby ball and a pig for meat