"A fullback" - Eddie Jones reveals his Manu Tuilagi successor

Sunday, 29 May 2022 at 09:22

byRugby Rucker

England head coach Eddie Jones has backed powerful fullback Tommy Freeman to swap positions and become the long-term replacement for Manu Tuilagi.

The 21-year-old's ability and versatility have impressed the head coach with the Mail Online reporting that the 6ft 2in and more than 16st youngster could be a long-term option at outside centre.

"Tommy played a lot of his school rugby at fly-half," revealed Saints boss Chris Boyd.

"I think he could comfortably play anywhere in the backs apart from scrum-half. He’s a really good talent and a developing athlete.

"He’s got a massive upside. I don’t know where his ceiling is but it’s high."

Fans pick their England XV for summer tour

England tour of Australia

Saturday 2 July – Optus Stadium, Perth Kick-off 10:55 BST
Saturday 9 July – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Kick-off: 10:55 BST
Saturday 16 July – Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney. Kick-off: 10:55 BST

FANS ENGLAND XV:

BACK-THREE:

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
14. Anthony Watson (Bath)
11. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath)

Freddie Steward of England goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

CENTRES:

13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)

Joe Cokanasiga of England talks with Joe Marchant of England after the Summer International match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 24th August 2019. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.

HALFBACKS:

10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
9. Danny Care (Harlequins)

Marcus Smith of England prepares to take a penalty during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

FRONT-ROW:

1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)

SECOND-ROW:

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)

Maro Itoje of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

BACK-ROW:

6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
7. Jack Willis (Wasps)
8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)

Tom Curry of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on January 13 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK

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