Leicester Tigers star Alesana Tuilagi is one of the most instantly recognisable and physically intimidating players in the Aviva Premiership. The six foot one inch winger patrols the flank with menace and intent and once in full flow, the ‘Samoan Bulldozer’ is almost unstoppable.

The 30-year-old is one of six brothers to have played professional rugby and all of his siblings have been part of the Tigers setup over the years, as arguably the most successful family in sport continue to put their stamp all over the game…

‘Alex’, who grew up in the Pacific Island of Samoa, where rugby is a way of life, has starred for Tigers in recent seasons, starting in seven of the team’s eight finals since 2006/07, including a Man of the Match performance in the Guinness Premiership final victory over Gloucester in 2007.

Quite simply, the Tuilagi’s have rugby in their DNA and there is no sign of their influence waning with Alex’s younger brother, Manu, coming to prominence at Welford Road this season.

Jon Reeves: Alesana, tell us about your memories of growing up in Samoa, how you got into rugby and the competition between you and your brothers?
Alesana Tuilagi: I first started playing when I was young, about five-years-old, and started school. My older brother Freddie was a big influence. He was the first in the family to play for Samoa and we all tried to become players and represent our country, and we all managed to get into professional rugby. We always played competitively and hard.

It’s the main sport back home in Samoa and everybody wants to be a Samoan international. Once you make the international team that’s where your rugby career develops from.

JR: After impressing for Samoa, you were snapped up by Italian side Parma. Tell us about how that move came about…
AT: When I first got in to the international side I got a contract in Italy for two years and that’s where I started to improve my rugby before I ended up coming to Leicester. It’s really good to be here, it’s a big club in Europe and that’s where most people want to play their rugby.

The differences in Europe are the weather and the language, which was pretty hard for us at the time. Now we are getting used to it and that’s helped me play some good rugby. Signing for Tigers was a very big move for me and my brothers. We’ve all played here. It’s a good club to play for and Leicester is a good place to come to. You can learn a lot from all the experienced international players from Europe and other countries.

JR: And what have been the highlights of your Tigers career so far?
AT: The big games that I’ve been involved in. Most of the European Cup fixtures, like beating Munster away and the last three Guinness Premiership finals. Those are the games that you always look back and think about. I’ve been lucky to have had the chance to play for such a good team.

JR: Have you been pleased with the team’s displays and your own form this season?
AT: If you play well that comes from the team. When you play well, the team plays well and it always puts you on the front foot in the game. It’s a different spirit we have at the moment, we are playing strongly and hopefully we can keep doing that. I’m enjoying my rugby, I’ve played most of the games this season and we’re coming to the mid-season now and still going well, so I’m really happy.

JR: Your younger brother, Manu, is now starting games for the first-team. What’s it like playing alongside him?
AT: It’s really good to have some of your family around you in the game, someone who does the same things you do and I can see that he’s always on the front foot and trying to do the same for the team. I am really happy to see what he’s achieved. He’s moving up to another level now, so hopefully he can keep learning and going forward.

JR: Did it take a bit of time to adjust to seeing your brother in the white of England?
AT: It is strange to go and watch one of your family playing for another country but at the same time it’s a good feeling. What he’s done has made all of the family proud because he’s moving to another level of rugby and representing another country, which is something new for us. It’s not only about where we come from, it’s about doing something to your best.

JR: You’ve played international rugby for Samoa and appeared at a World Cup. Can you describe the honour of representing your country?
AT: It’s a great feeling playing for your country if you’re lucky enough to get that opportunity. There are loads of players that want to put on that jersey, but it’s something different that you can do in your life that a lot of people can’t. It’s a really great feeling to play for your own place and your own people.

JR: Are you enjoying life off the field in Leicester?
AT: I’m used to the area and the people are really good to me. I’ve been here for eight years already and I’m looking forward to staying a few years longer, as long as my career in rugby is going well, then I will be happy too.

JR: Finally Alesana, what are your ambitions for the future?
AT: At the moment, I just want to keep playing until the end of my career and we’ll go from there. I’m happy to help out some teams with coaching but I have to learn more about rugby before I can do that.

I want to win more trophies and play in big games and then you can sit back at the end of your career and remember what you won against which team. Achieving those things is what’s most important for me now.

A Family Affair

Alesana’s younger brother, Manu, has made quite an impact this season, breaking into the Tigers first-team and producing some impressive performances on the wing.

The 19-year-old is relishing his taste of the action but is well aware of the fierce competition for places in the Premiership Champions’ squad.

“Back in the summer I was just looking to get a start in the Leicester first team and that’s quite hard because you’ve got guys like Dan Hipkiss, my brother Alesana on the wing and Anthony Allen at 12. But because of some injuries I’ve had an opportunity to get some starts. It’s a big step up and the standard is very high.”

Manu’s point-scoring, speedy, battling and brave displays have shown that he well and truly has the Tuilagi gene. International recognition has followed, but with the white of England and not the blue of Samoa, and the Tigers starlet sees selection for the Saxons as the next step in his development.

“Being called up to the England Saxons was a surprise, it was a real bonus. For me, it’s a massive step from the academy to the first team and then from Leicester to the Saxons. I was born in Samoa and came over at the age of 13, so all my rugby has pretty much been learned in England. Leicester have been great for me every step of the way.”

Tuilagi is also enjoying playing in the same side as his brother.

“It is awesome to play alongside Alesana. He helps me a lot. He is there helping me along and giving me a pat on the back.”

Looking into the future, Manu is determined to establish himself as a regular in the Tigers’ first 15 but also has the World Cup in his sights.

“At the moment, I’m just focused on playing well at club level and for the Saxons. But everyone who plays rugby wants to play in a World Cup. Playing at Twickenham for England is in the back of my mind and I’d love to be able to do it. Hopefully the dream will continue.”

With both brothers currently playing a major part in Tigers’ challenge at the top of the Aviva Premiership and the team’s progression into the latter stages of the Heineken Cup, there is every chance that both the dream and the Tuilagi dynasty at Welford Road, will continue for years to come.

To secure your seat for the 2011-2012 season and see Alesana and Manu in action visit www.leicestertigers.com/seasontickets