England and Sale Sharks centre Manu Tuilagi has revealed what’s on the menu for Christmas with the family this year in his household.
There are clearly upsides to being out injured as a rugby player. You can indulge at the dinner table and loosen the belt a notch. Just a notch, mind.
Reporter Martin Crowson caught up with the England centre for a chat ahead of the Sharks round of festive fixtures.
Tuilagi revealed that last year “All of my family came round last Christmas. We had a full 52-kg pig and that’ll be the plan again.”
“Plenty of pigs and blankets and roast potatoes as well.”
When asked if there was any leftovers, the centre replied: “Only the vegetables.”
That pig never stood a chance. Not with this gang around…
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DYNASTY | Getting to know Every Tuilagi sibling
1. Anitelea Tuilagi
Age: 33
Rugby career: The versatile back began his career at Leicester Tigers in 2005, but after failing to break into the first team, subsequently joined Leeds for an impressive two seasons. He then joined Sale Sharks for three years before short stints with Newport, Newcastle Falcons and French side Tarbes. The powerhouse also won 15 caps for Samoa between 2005 and 2015.
Post rugby: Now back in Samoa with his family.
Did you know? Tuilagi became the youngest player to play for Samoa at aged 19 years and 27 days when he made his debut in July 2005 against Tonga, where he scored a try to also become the youngest player ever to score for Samoa.
2. Alesana Tuilagi
Age: 39
Rugby career: The 37-cap Samoa international began his career in Italy with Parma; playing for the club between 2002 and 2004. Following an excellent eight years playing for Leicester Tigers, scoring 58 tries and winning a shed load of silverware, he joined Japanese side NTT Communications Shining Arcs in 2012. The winger then spent two seasons with Newcastle Falcons before ending his career following a short stint with Toulon.
Playing style: As an incredibly strong player, the winger used his blend of pace and power to good effect, proving a nightmare for many defences. Such a combination of speed and strength makes him very difficult for defences to handle.
Post rugby: He is now living in Samoa with his beautiful young family
Did you know? The winger was part of the Samoan squad that beat Australia 32 – 23 on 17 July 2011 at Sydney in a test match. Tuilagi made the opening try as Samoa ran in 4 tries to Australia’s two.