Former England centre Manu Tuilagi confirms his club future - contract signed until 2027

Tuilagi, whose previous deal with Bayonne was set to expire at the end of the season, had reportedly attracted attention from both Japan Rugby League One and the breakaway R360 competition, led by fellow England international Mike Tindall.

However, after the former Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks bruiser put pen to paper with Bayonne, the French club were quick to issue a statement online: “Ageing like a fine wine. Our English centre will continue to torment defences and attacks next season.”

The timing of the new deal positions Tuilagi for a potential international return at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, albeit the wrecking-ball could swap nations in the coming years.

Born in Samoa, Tuilagi could be eligible to represent his country of birth at 36-years-old, having completed the required three-year stand-down period from the England test stage, after earning the last of his 60 caps in 2023.

Tuilagi's last appearance with the red rose upon his chest was the 2023 Rugby World Cup Bronze Final victory over Argentina, in which he donned the number 12 jersey for a 55 minute outing in the midfield.

The possible switch to Samoa, however, hinges on the side securing Rugby World Cup qualification for the upcoming tournament in Australia.

The Pacific Islanders will take part in the Rugby World Cup Regional play-off and Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai next month against Belgium, Namibia, and Paraguay, competing for the final of the 24 available spots in the land 'down under'.

Since joining Bayonne from Sale Sharks in 2024, Tuilagi has been in excellent form, largely avoiding the injuries that hampered the latter stages of his Premiership run.

Tuilagi formed a formidable midfield partnership with Fijian centre Sireli Maqala and the ex-England man was named in the Top 14 Team of the Season in his debut campaign, helping Bayonne to a fourth-place finish.

However, an untimely rib injury caused Tuilagi to sit out on the Top 14 play-off semi-final defeat to eventual champions Toulouse.

This season, Tuilagi has picked up where he left off, as Bayonne currently sit second in the Top 14 standings, proving his influence on the pitch remains undiminished.