Leicester Tigers Confirm Signing of Sakura 15 Wako Kitano For PWR

Leicester Tigers have signed experienced Japan international prop Wako Kitano, who has 25 caps for Sakura 15s, to their PWR squad.

Photo Credit – JRFU – RWC 2025

The tighthead has signed from her Japanese club Mie Pearls (who lost the domestic title last season to Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix) as the Tigers prepare for this Saturday’s PWR clash with Harlequins at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Leicester Women’s Director of Rugby Fraser Goatcher said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring Wako on board to add to the strength of our squad. We know the skills she’ll bring in terms of her scrummaging ability, her physicality and her international experience, all of which is needed at this level.”

Wako Kitano attended Ryutsu Keizai University and previously represented Kobe Kohoku High School and RKU Grace in Japan.

She made her international debut against Australia for the Sakura 15s on 13 July 2019, and had 22 caps and 3 tries heading into the RWC 2025 this year. The player was also part of the Japanese team that went to the US and beat them for the first time at the start of the season.

Before the RWC 2025 tournament in England, the 26-year-old front-rower had one Rugby World Cup cap, but she played three times in England and scored a try in the 29-21 victory against Spain, which was their final pool game.

The JRFU team guide for RWC 2025 said of Wako Kitano that she “possesses the top-level physicality in the Japan national team. During rehab from a major injury two years ago, she significantly increased her power and mass through weightlifting and nutrition. Always makes forward yards when she carries the ball. Off the field, she’s known as “Hime” (“Princess”) due to her contrasting gentle persona.”

Photo Credit – Mie Pearls Wako Kitano

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