Powerhouse centre Manu Tuilagi may have played his last game for England if the latest reports are to be believed.
The 46-cap centre, who was sent off today for Sale Sharks against Northampton Saints, will miss the rest of the 2023 Six Nations through suspension.
Tuilagi, who joined his current club in 2020, is unlikely so sign an extension in the North West.
The Sharks, who are already dangerously close to the salary cap, signed Manu Tuilagi on the cheap with the powerhouse accepting a huge pay-cut from the £500,000 per season deal he had at Welford Road.
According to reports in France, the 31-year-old being lined up to join Racing 92 or Toulon in the TOP14 ahead of the 2021/22 season.
A move abroad would make the centre unavailable to win future England caps.
Clubs in Japan and the USA are also keen and are thought to be monitoring his situation.
Tuilagi had a tour of Racing’s training ground in 2019, but ultimately stayed at Leicester Tigers to continue his international career.
However, the report suggest he’s now looking to prolong his playing career by quitting test rugby in 2023 to move overseas.
Five players who won’t play for England again under Steve Borthwick
Steve Borthwick has been brutal In his short time in charge of England, dropping a number of major stars ahead of the 2023 Six Nations.
Below, we look at three established stars who are unlikely to win another cap.
#1. Joe Marler
Age: 32
Position: Loosehead-prop
Caps: 83
Marler is unlikely to return to the England team during the 2023 Six Nations after he breached one of Steve Borthwick’s main rules.
The new England boss has a “no sh**talking policy” with England, whereby he expects players to behave appropriately on the pitch.
As a result, Marler was left out of the Six Nations squad despite his fine form with Harlequins this season.
Marler’s latest ban was for six weeks – four of them suspended – after accepting a charge regarding comments made to Bristol flanker Jake Heenan about his mother.
At this stage, an international return looks very unlikely.
DID YOU KNOW? Marler started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex where he played in the same side as fellow England international Billy Twelvetrees