Manu Tuilagi reportedly has an offer upwards of £750,000 per year to move to the Japanese Top League, but his long-term future clearly still belongs in England.
The 29-year-old was one of five players to have departed Tigers alongside Kyle Eastmond, Telusa Veainu, Greg Batemen and Noel Reid.
Premiership sides Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks were also linked with a move for Tuilagi, but have since distanced themselves from a move for the powerhouse.
Nevertheless, Tuilagi, who has a young family settled near Leicester, seemingly plans to stay in the UK long term as preparations to launch his own gin business with his family begins to take shape.
Tuilagi Gin, described as 'True Samoan Spirit distilled in the heart of England, plans to launch later this year after popping up on social media.
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Manu Tuilagi facts: 10 things you didn’t know about the England star
Here are 10 interesting Manu Tuilagi facts you might not know about the popular England and Leicester Tigers centre.
Manu Tuilagi facts:
1. Full name
Etuale Manusamoa 'Manu' Tuilagi is named after the Samoa national rugby team
2. Siblings
He is the younger brother of Freddie, Henry, Alesana, Anitelea and Sanele Vavae Tuilagi, all of whom are Samoan internationals and also played for Leicester. He has another sibling, Julie, who is fa'afafine (people who identify as having a third gender in Samoa.
3. Deportation?
In June 2010, Tuilagi faced possible deportation from the UK after it became known that he had entered the country on a holiday visa six years earlier and had stayed on illegally. After an appeal, he was later granted indefinite leave to remain
4. Sponsored mouthguard
During the 2011 World Cup, he was fined £4,800 after wearing a sponsored mouthguard, breaking the tournament's rules.
5. He was an absolute BEAST in School
Give the other lads a chance mate...
6. Partner
Chantelle is a Manchester University graduate who went on to work in her family's Leicestershire-based construction company as a business development manager.
She now spends the majority of her time at home looking after their daughter, Leilani Lea'auta, whose name translates to 'heavenly flower'.
7. Dog person
Does anyone even like cats?
8. Record-breaker
He became England’s youngest RWC player at 20 years and 115 days against Argentina, being 15 days younger than Jonny Wilkinson, who set the record in 1999.
9. Zodiac sign
His zodiac sign is a Taurus. Dates of Taurus are April 20 - May 20. People born under the Taurus zodiac sign are often incredibly dedicated, reliable and dependable. You could easily compare his style of play to a bull too!
10. Loyalty
He's turned down huge contacts offers from Racing 92 and Toronto Wolfpack in order to remain with Leicester Tigers.
