Bristol Bears respond to reports they've joined the race to sign Manu Tuilagi
Rugby NewsSaturday, 04 July 2020 at 17:21
Bristol Bears have reportedly joined Sale Shark in the battle to sign England international star Manu Tuilagi, according to reports.
After a number of injury-plagued years, Tuilagi was one of England's most consistent performers in 2019, and was a key part of the side that reached the final of the Rugby World Cup in November.
Nevertheless, Tigers confirmed the British and Irish Lions centre Tuilagi as one of five frontline stars leaving the club on Tuesday, following a clutch of contract stand-offs.
RugbyPass has reported that the billionaire-backed Bears have genuine interest in the powerhouse.
But they took to their official Twitter account to rubbish the rumours.
Our sources, exclusively told us on Thursday that Sale Sharks had already made contact with Tuilagi, which was later confirmed by the Press Association.
There are also suggestions that he could yet stay at Welford Road. The Telegraph has reported that ‘there has been a ‘change of heart’ amongst those involved in the discussions and there is some hope that the next 48 hours may see the 20-year Tuilagi family connection with Leicester continue.
JOIN THE RUCK:
10 things you didn’t know about Manu Tuilagi
1. Full name
Etuale Manusamoa 'Manu' Tuilagi is named after the Samoa national rugby team
2. Siblings
He is the younger brother of Freddie, Henry, Alesana, Anitelea and Sanele Vavae Tuilagi, all of whom are Samoan internationals and also played for Leicester. He has another sibling, Julie, who is fa'afafine (people who identify as having a third gender in Samoa.
3. Deportation?
In June 2010, Tuilagi faced possible deportation from the UK after it became known that he had entered the country on a holiday visa six years earlier and had stayed on illegally. After an appeal, he was later granted indefinite leave to remain
4. Sponsored mouthguard
During the 2011 World Cup, he was fined £4,800 after wearing a sponsored mouthguard, breaking the tournament's rules.
5. He was an absolute BEAST in School
Give the other lads a chance mate...
6. Partner
Chantelle is a Manchester University graduate who went on to work in her family's Leicestershire-based construction company as a business development manager.
She now spends the majority of her time at home looking after their daughter, Leilani Lea'auta, whose name translates to 'heavenly flower'.
7. Dog person
Does anyone even like cats?
8. Record-breaker
He became England’s youngest RWC player at 20 years and 115 days against Argentina, being 15 days younger than Jonny Wilkinson, who set the record in 1999.
9. Zodiac sign
His zodiac sign is a Taurus. Dates of Taurus are April 20 - May 20. People born under the Taurus zodiac sign are often incredibly dedicated, reliable and dependable. You could easily compare his style of play to a bull too!
10. Loyalty
He's turned down huge contacts offers from Racing 92 and Toronto Wolfpack in order to remain with Leicester Tigers.
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