Manu Tuilagi, the England centre, has sealed a two-year contract with Bayonne in the Top 14, as per numerous reports emerging from France.
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In his final England appearance, the 32-year-old featured off the bench in the clash against France last Saturday.
However, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership Rugby’s regulation stipulates that England squad members must ply their trade in the Premiership, effectively marking the end of Tuilagi’s international career.
Expressing gratitude post-match, Tuilagi conveyed his appreciation to England fans, stating, “I just want to say a massive thank you to all of the fans.
“The fans that came here tonight, we could hear you. You gave us so much energy. And the people at home, England, thank you so much.”
Ben Youngs’ Six Nations Team of The Tournament:
1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
3. Dan Cole (England)
4. George Martin (England)
5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
6. Michele Lamaro (Italy)
7. Tommy Reffell (Wales)
8. Ben Earl (England)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
10. George Ford (England)
11. James Lowe (Ireland)
12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
13. Juan Ignacio Brex (Italy)
14. Damien Penaud (France)
15. Monty Ioane (Italy)
“A liability” – Telegraph rank England’s five worst 2024 Six Nations players
Telegraph Sport conducted a thorough assessment of each England player’s performance during the Six Nations, with criticism aimed at several individuals.
One player was labeled a liability, while another is advised to come to terms with the idea that their peak playing days may be behind them.
5 players who underperformed:
#5. Alex Coles – 6/10
Coles is a member of the Premiership outfit Northampton Saints, a club he has been associated with since the age of 13. His journey with the Saints began when he joined their senior academy in the summer of 2017, eventually making his senior debut in November of the following year.
With versatility spanning across the second and back rows, Coles has represented his country from U16 level all the way through to U20, featuring prominently in the U20 Six Nations and the World Rugby U20 Championship.
His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the England senior Men’s squad ahead of the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, where he marked his debut in their narrow 30-29 defeat against Argentina.
They wrote: “A cumulative 15 minutes of action, but it is telling that England opted for no lock replacement in their final two matches.”
RUCK RATING: 6.25/10