A new combination at Welford Road
Aaron Wainwright, Olly Cracknell and Tommy Reffell have formed a prominent Welsh back-row partnership during Leicester Tigers’ encouraging start to the Premiership campaign. Having never played together previously, the trio has started all three of Leicester’s league fixtures, securing victories against Newcastle and Gloucester alongside a narrow defeat to Saracens.
Wainwright and Reffell have operated as flankers, while Cracknell anchors the scrum at number eight. Reffell described his teammates as physical and dynamic players whose game intelligence ensures they are positioned effectively on the field.
Contrasting journeys to Leicester
The three players arrived at Welford Road at different stages of their careers. Wainwright joined Leicester following nearly a decade at Dragons, adapting quickly to his new surroundings with the help of a lift-share arrangement with Reffell and fly-half Billy Searle. His early performances earned praise from team-mate Gabriel Hamer-Webb, who noted his high work rate and passing ability.
Cracknell took a longer path to regular international and club recognition. Born in Leeds with a Welsh grandfather, he joined the Exiles programme at 16, played for Wales Under-20s, and later experienced stints with Ospreys and London Irish before moving to Leicester. After missing out on selection earlier in his career, Cracknell made his senior Wales debut as a replacement against Argentina in November 2025.
Reffell represents a contrasting profile as a one-club stalwart, having joined the Leicester academy at age 15 before making his senior debut at 17. Regarded as an effective foraging flanker, he earned player-of-the-match honors in the victory against Newcastle.
International aspirations
With Steve Tandy’s upcoming Wales squad announcement approaching, attention turns to whether the Leicester trio will earn international selection amid strong competition within Welsh rugby. While Wainwright is viewed as a central figure in the squad, players like Cracknell and Reffell continue to push for selection following mixed experiences with recent squad omissions and recalls.
Before international fixtures resume, Leicester prepare for upcoming Champions Cup competition, with Wainwright set to experience Europe’s top-tier tournament for the first time.