Solomone Kata Extends Leicester Tigers Stay and Strengthens Squad
A few players manage to capture fans' attention as quickly as Solomone Kata has at Leicester Tigers. Now, his decision to extend his contract is making just as big a statement as any hard tackle or line break.
When Kata signed with Leicester ahead of the 2023/24 season, he was already a seasoned star. Born in Neiafu, Tonga, and standing 1.77m tall with a sturdy 104kg frame, Kata’s rugby origins stretch back to his teenage years. At just 16, he packed his bags for Auckland, New Zealand, and joined Sacred Heart College, pursuing new opportunities in rugby union.
But it wasn't a straight path. Soon after school, Kata switched codes to rugby league — a bold move that saw him smash his way into the NRL spotlight with the New Zealand Warriors. His power, speed, and try-scoring ability set him apart. He later returned to union, signing for Australia's ACT Brumbies in Super Rugby in 2020. Journeys with Moana Pasifika and Exeter Chiefs followed, before the Tigers snapped him up. Since then, Kata has become a regular fixture, playing both on the wing and at centre, bringing a punch to the Leicester backline that has fired up fans and teammates alike.
His influence is more than just physical. Tigers head coach Michael Cheika was quick to laud Kata’s “big character inside the squad.” The respect Kata commands isn't just for his physicality or versatility — it's also his relentless attitude and enthusiasm for the game. When asked about his future, Kata was clear: “I think my best days as a player are ahead of me. I’ll always give my all for the fans and for my teammates while I’m here.” That kind of hunger seems infectious.
This extension isn’t happening in isolation. Just recently, Leicester cemented deals with Ollie Chessum and Will Hurd, further proof that the club is determined to hold on to the pillars of its squad. Retaining these top players is a strong signal of intent, suggesting the Tigers see squad stability as key to tackling the Premiership’s tough competition.
Kata’s story speaks just as much to resilience as it does to talent. He’s played at the international level for Tonga in both rugby league and union, as well as representing New Zealand in league. That adaptability — shifting codes, moving between countries, and picking up the demands of different teams — isn’t something you see every day. It’s why his presence in Leicester’s setup means so much more than just another name on the team sheet.
From NRL Fame to Premiership Powerhouse
Transitioning from the limelight of the NRL to the rough-and-ready world of Premiership rugby isn’t exactly a walk in the park. For Kata, it was another challenge to relish. Fans will remember his rampaging runs and defensive stops, becoming expected highlights in matchday routines. This isn’t just about on-pitch dynamism, either — his leadership in the locker room and willingness to help younger players along show why he’s more than a short-term signing.
For Leicester, hanging on to Kata means holding on to both experience and ambition. He brings a deep understanding of rugby’s elite landscape, having played with some of the sport’s top clubs and under pressure for Tonga and the Kiwis. With every extension, the Tigers seem a little bit more settled and a whole lot more competitive.
If you ask the fans in the stands — many now sporting jerseys with his name — they’ll tell you he’s a favourite for a reason. Stability and excitement rarely come together in pro sports, but with Solomone Kata extending his Leicester Tigers journey, the fans are getting both.
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