Leicester

Wainwright has made 129 appearances for Dragons since making his debut in October 2017 and has only won 29 matches with 93 defeats and seven draws.

He turned down other offers in favour of signing a new Dragons deal in January 2024.

Now Wainwright is expected to decide to try another challenge and link up with fellow Wales back-rowers Tommy Reffell and Olly Cracknell at Leicester.

Wainwright will still be available for Wales because he has 62 international caps.

Welsh rugby’s 25-cap rule says anybody below this tally cannot play international rugby if they sign for a club outside of Wales but Wainwright easily exceeds that bar.

A significant proportion of Steve Tandy’s Wales side already ply their club trade in England with 13 non-home-based players involved in the autumn squad.

Wainwright, Lake and Morgan are joining the likes of Dafydd Jenkins, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tomos Williams, Rhys Carre, Nicky Smith, Nick Tompkins, Jarrod Evans, Max Llewellyn and Freddie Thomas, who all play for English clubs, while lock Adam Beard is at French side Montpellier.

Leicester had also been keen on recruiting Wales fly-half Dan Edwards, but he is close to committing his future to Ospreys.

Edwards, 22, would be ineligible for Wales selection if he went to play in England because he has only played seven internationals.

Leicester Tigers stalwart Dan Cole will leave the club after 18 years due to personal reasons.

Cole, 38, played for the Tigers between 2007 and 2025 before taking up the role of recruitment and retention manager after hanging up his boots.

The former prop turned out over 340 times for the club – breaking the record of league appearances for Leicester in 2023-24.

“I am leaving Tigers with a heavy heart,” Cole said.

“This club means everything to me and it has been an honour to represent the badge. Unfortunately, a change in personal circumstances dictates that I cannot give the role the attention it deserves moving forwards so I am stepping away.

“I have no doubt that the club is on strong footing for 2026 and beyond and wish Geoff, the players and everyone at Mattioli Woods Welford Road the best of luck.”

Leicester-born Cole won four Premiership titles during his time at Welford Road.

Exeter: Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Rigg, Ridl; Skinner, Varney; Sio, Dweba, Tchumbadze, Jenkins (c), Zambonin, Hooper, E. Roots, Fisilau.

Replacements: Yeandle, Goodrick-Clarke, J. Roots, Tuima, James, Chapman, Haydon-Wood, John.

Sin bin: Tuima (76)

Leicester: Steward; Radwan, Perese, Kata, Hassell-Collins; Searle, Whiteley; N. Smith, Blamire, Heyes, Henderson, Chessum (c), Moro, Reffell, Cracknell.

Replacements: Theobald-Thomas, Haffar, Hurd, Thompson, Williams, Van Poortvliet, Bailey, Hamer-Webb.

Sin bin: Williams (51), Searle (62)

Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe.