Manu Tuilagi scored a try against his former club as Sale beat Leicester to regain second spot in the Premiership.
The England centre left Leicester in July after rejecting a 25 per cent pay cut, joining Sale Sharks after his dramatic exit.
Tuilagi went under the posts for the Sharks second touchdown at Welford Road.
“I loved it,” Tuilagi told BT Sport.
Manu scores against Leicester. You couldn’t write it pic.twitter.com/N0EuCJ4Xm7
— Edward Barker (@EdwardB24376757) September 5, 2020
“It has been my home for so many years, so I was excited to come back. I’ve still got the Leicester accent, and I don’t think that will ever change.
“I was playing against good mates of mine, and it was a different feeling not playing for Tigers, but it was just nice to get the win.”
Steve Diamond was thrilled with the England centres performance, saying: “I was really pleased.
“He wanted to play to exorcise a demon, and I think he did that by scoring a try.”
The 29-year-old is reportedly being lined up to join Racing 92 in the TOP14 ahead of the 2020/21 season.
Tuilagi had a tour of their training ground in 2019, but ultimately stayed at Leicester Tigers to continue his international career.
JOIN THE RUCK:
The highest paid players at every Gallagher Premiership club
Bath: Taulupe Faletau – £550,000
Bristol Bears: Charles Piutau – £1m
The former All Black full-back or wing, who surprised many by leaving New Zealand before reaching the peak of his powers, has allegedly become British rugby’s first million pound man.
Exeter Chiefs: Stuart Hogg – £500,000
The fullback signed a new deal recently, accepting a slight pay-cut.
Gloucester Rugby: Danny Cipriani – £380,000
The fly-half was on £190,000 to £200,000, which was a relatively modest wage for a player of his calibre and experience. It’s been reported that his new deal is closer to the £400,000 Toulon offered him.
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Harlequins: Mike Brown (£300,000)
The three England stars remain the highest paid players at the Stoop.
Leicester Tigers: Manu Tuilagi – £460,000
with the England centre’s appearances for club Leicester and country sporadic through a variety of ailments.
London Irish: Paddy Jackson – £400,000
The number 10 will reportedly earn more than his ex-international teammate, who’ll also pocket a hefty £350,000 wage packet.
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Newcastle Falcons: Toby Flood – £250,000
Northampton Saints: Dan Biggar – £500,000
Wales’ ‘Governor’ was a catalyst for the Ospreys, being a superb club man and racking up a points record. But he decided to sample life “outside the goldfish bowl” of Wales with a big money offer enticing him to Northampton Saints.
Sale Sharks: Manu Tuilagi – £350,000
The centre took a £100,000 paycut to join the Sharks after leaving Leicester. He is reportedly set to take Tigers to court to recoup his loss of earnings.
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Saracens: Owen Farrell – £750,000
Farrell will remain at the club that he has called ‘home’ since the age of 14 until at least 2022, earning himself a hefty pay-rise in the process. His new deal means he will now earn in excess of £750,000 a season, bringing him in line with some of the highest paid players in the world.
Wasps: Joe Launchbury – £420,000
The England second-row became the clubs highest paid player after extending his contract earlier this season.
Worcester Warriors: Matt Kvesic
The local boy has returned to Sixways following successful stints with Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs.
