Manu Tuilagi set for Lions call-up as he nears full fitness

Manu Tuilagi remains on course to return for Sale this month and director of rugby Alex Sanderson has backed him for a Lions call-up.

The powerhouse is not a player who needs a long time to get himself back into form; he tends to hit the ground running after a long layoff.

It is no coincidence that England lifted themselves out of a poor run of form towards the end of 2018 when Tuilagi returned to the fold.

It was reported by The Times last week that in the unlikely scenario Tuilagi isn't named in the 36-man squad, the centre will be on Warren Gatland's 'standby list'.

“Yeah I would (take him) if I was picking it,” said Sanderson.

“Manu understands more than most how to come back from an injury because he has had more than most.

“And I think he wants to come back and be brilliant again. If I could back anyone to come back and be at their best, I’d back him."

 “All being well and hitting all his markers, some time around the European Cup final.

“It is a shame we are not playing in it because he could be making his (second) debut in that. Some time around that, so two to three weeks.

“What we are guarding against isn’t his Achilles, his Achilles is fine. It’s making sure he doesn’t reinjure himself through a soft tissue.”

Here are five players who are thought to be among the players who received a letter from Gatland.

Care is thought to be in the mix for Gatland’s final squad. The 34-year-old has not featured for England since the 2018 autumn Test win against Japan but his club form has put him in contention for a first Lions tour. That Ben Youngs has ruled himself out of contention only aids Care’s cause in a position considered to be among the most open. 

Did you know? Care is the only England rugby player to win medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games and the senior Commonwealth Games.

The 25-year-old scrum-half has made only three Test starts for Wales, but might have been the man in possession of Wales' pass-the-parcel nine shirt but for an untimely hamstring injury in a superb try-scoring display against England.

has emerged as a shock potential “bolter” for the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, the Guardian understands. On South Africa's firm ground, with a point to prove, could he be an ace in the hole for the Lions?

Redpath has made only one international appearance. But what an appearance it was. The 21-year-old centre strolled through Scotland's first win at Twickenham in 38 years, making the step up to the Test arena look effortless. He'd not let anyone down.

The fly-half has emerged as a shock potential “bolter” for the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, according to the Guardian. Smith has been in fine form for Harlequins this season and it is believed he is among the group of more than 50 players to have received a letter sounding him out about his potential availability this summer.