Aaron Wainwright, Olly Cracknell, and Tommy Reffell have emerged as a formidable back-row trio for Leicester Tigers this season, contributing significantly to the team's promising start in the Premiership. Despite never having played together before, they have started all three league matches, securing victories against Newcastle and Gloucester, with a narrow loss to Saracens.

Wainwright and Reffell have taken on flanker roles, while Cracknell operates at number eight. Wainwright expressed satisfaction with their synergy, stating, "I think we've complemented each other well and gone about our business, so it's been enjoyable to get stuck in." Reffell praised his teammates, highlighting their physicality and game awareness.

The players joined Leicester at different stages in their careers:

• Wainwright, a newcomer with 70 international caps, transitioned from Dragons to Leicester, bringing experience from multiple World Cups.
• Cracknell, after a long journey to his first cap, joined from London Irish and has shown impressive form.
• Reffell, a Leicester academy product, has solidified his reputation as a top flanker and was recently named player of the match against Newcastle.

As the Tigers prepare for the Champions Cup against Pau, Wainwright's debut in elite European competition looms. He has quickly become a fan favorite, even receiving a packet of Welsh cakes from supporters after a match.

With the announcement of the Wales Nations Championship squad approaching, Wainwright and flanker Jac Morgan are expected to be key selections, while Reffell and Cracknell aim to secure their spots amidst stiff competition. The Leicester trio's strong performances could play a pivotal role in their international aspirations.