Manu Tuilagi set to leave Sale Sharks, four clubs in the race to sign centre
Rugby NewsMonday, 15 January 2024 at 10:35
Sale Sharks' formidable centre, Manu Tuilagi, stands on the precipice of a potential move as his contract nears its conclusion at the end of the season.
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The 32-year-old, renowned for his robust style of play, has been a constant subject of transfer speculation since the 2019 World Cup, with the Top 14 emerging as a likely destination.
This week, Midi Olympique reported a surge of interest from several French clubs keen to secure the services of the 112kg powerhouse.
Bayonne and Montpellier from the Top 14 have reportedly taken the initiative by reaching out to Tuilagi's management team.
Meanwhile, Toulon is actively seeking a marquee signing. However, Perpignan, with its deep-rooted connection to the Tuilagi family, is reported to be the leading contender for the signature of the 2013 British & Irish Lion.
A stalwart in the rugby world, Tuilagi earned his stripes early on, making his debut for Leicester Tigers in 2010. Known for his explosive speed, powerful ball-carrying ability, and tenacious defence,
Tuilagi quickly became a fan favourite. His journey includes representing England at the international level, earning 59 caps and leaving an indelible mark on the British & Irish Lions' tour in 2013.
Telegraph selects 2025 Lions squad, leaves out Owen Farrell and Louis Rees-Zammit
Here's a glimpse into the 37-man touring party according to The Telegraph:
Loosehead-props:
- Andrew Porter (Ireland)
- Ellis Genge (England)
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
Hookers:
- Dewi Lake (Wales)
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
- George Turner (Scotland)
Tighthead-props:
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
- Asher Opoku-Fordjour (England)
Locks:
- George Martin (England)
- Maro Itoje (England)
- James Ryan (Ireland)
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
- Will Rowlands (Wales)
- Iain Henderson (Ireland)
Back Row:
- Jac Morgan (Wales)
- Tommy Reffell (Wales)
- Ben Earl (England)
- Caelan Doris (Ireland)
- Rory Darge (Scotland)
- Courtney Lawes/Tom Curry (England)
Scrum-Halves:
- Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
- Gareth Davies (Wales)
- Alex Mitchell (England)
Fly-Halves:
- Finn Russell (Scotland)
- George Ford (England)
- Marcus Smith (England)
Notable omission: Owen Farrell is excluded due to uncertainties surrounding his future.
Centres:
- Bundee Aki (Ireland)
- Ollie Lawrence (England)
- Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
Wings:
- James Lowe (Ireland)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
- Darcy Graham (Scotland)
- Mack Hansen (Ireland)
Full-backs:
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
- Freddie Steward (England)
Total Players by Nation: Ireland 13, England 11, Scotland 8, Wales 5.
Quiz! Can you name every player from England's 2003 Rugby World Cup squad?
This quiz tests your knowledge of that heralded group of 22 players who took on and beat the Wallabies in their own backyard on November 22, 2003.
Some of these are significantly easier than others.
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