“52kg of meat” – Manu reveals the Tuilagi Families Huge Christmas dinner menu

Speaking to reporter Martin Crowson ahead of the festive period, the powerful centre said last year’s family gathering featured a 

52-kilogram pig, with plans to repeat the feast again this Christmas.

“All of my family came round,” he said. “We had a full 52-kg pig and that’ll be the plan again. Plenty of pigs in blankets and roast potatoes as well.”

Asked if there were any leftovers, Manu laughed: “Only the vegetables.”

The scene fits perfectly with the Tuilagi name, one of rugby’s most famous dynasties. Manu and his brothers — including Leicester Tigers legend Alesana and former Samoa captain Henry — helped define a generation of power rugby, and the next wave is already making its mark.

Manu’s nephew Posolo Tuilagi is now a full France international, having broken into the senior side after impressing at club level with Perpignan. A huge physical presence like his uncle, Posolo has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young forwards in European rugby.

Manu himself is now playing in France and enjoyed an outstanding season last year, earning a place in the Top 14 Team of the Season, underlining his continued impact at the highest level.

While the festive period offers a brief pause from rugby’s intensity, Christmas in the Tuilagi household remains as formidable as ever — a gathering of family, elite athletes and a pig that never stands a chance.

Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa
The 34-year-old has won 60 England caps but would only be eligible for Samoa at the next World Cup. Tuilagi has admitted a switch would depend on whether he can still compete at the highest level.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg – South Africa to England
The Bristol Bears centre played for South Africa U20s but has never featured at senior level. After cutting ties with the Springboks, he could qualify for England via residency, subject to World Rugby approval.

David Ribbans – England to South Africa
The lock last played for England at the 2023 World Cup and will be eligible to switch next year. However, Ribbans has played down the idea, insisting his desire remains to represent England again.

Akira Ioane – New Zealand to Samoa
The 30-year-old has not played for New Zealand since 2022 and could follow his father by representing Samoa if he remains out of All Blacks contention.

Hoskins Sotutu – New Zealand to England or Fiji
Frozen out by the All Blacks since 2022, Sotutu can switch immediately. He qualifies for England through his mother but could also represent Fiji, following in his father’s footsteps.

Tyrone Green – South Africa to England
A former South Africa U20 standout, Green will be eligible for England from 2026. However, the Harlequins back has said he is in no rush to make a decision.

Nepo Laulala – New Zealand to Samoa
The prop last played for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup. Born in Samoa, Laulala could switch allegiances in late 2026.

Shannon Frizell – New Zealand to Tonga
Frizell last featured for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup and will be eligible to represent Tonga from October next year.

Folau Fakatava – New Zealand to Tonga
The Tongan-born scrum-half last played for New Zealand in 2022 and is eligible to switch to his country of birth ahead of the next World Cup.

Ngani Laumape – New Zealand to Tonga
Eligible since 2024, Laumape has openly stated his desire to represent Tonga after missing out on the 2023 World Cup.

Lalakai Foketi – Australia to New Zealand
The centre last played for Australia at the 2023 World Cup but could qualify for New Zealand in 2026. He is currently locked in a legal dispute with Rugby Australia.

Rhyno Smith – South Africa to Italy
Smith would need special dispensation after previous South Africa Sevens appearances, but the Benetton full-back has admitted he would welcome the chance to represent Italy after five years in the country.