Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson is preparing for life without Manu Tuilagi at the AJ Bell next season as reported interest in a number of like-for-like power centres continues to grow.
Tuilagi was very keen on a move to Racing 92 but the Top 14 have gone cold on a potential move.
There is also considerable interest from clubs in the USA, but a Japanese First Division are now the favourites to land the powerhouse centre with a possible reunion with Eddie Jones at Tokyo Sungoliath mooted.
As a result, The Rugby Paper reports Sanderson is interested in both Ollie Lawrence, who has just joined Bath on a short-term deal, and now Glasgow Warriors' Sione Tuipulotu.
Having represented Australia at Schoolboy, U17 and U20 level, centre Sione Tuipulotu played Super Rugby for Melbourne Rebels between 2016 and 2019, and then in the Japanese Top League in 2021, before signing a deal with Glasgow Warriors ahead of the current campaign.
Eligible for Scotland through his grandmother, Tuipulotu’s impressive early-season form at Scotstoun has seen him included for a Scotland debut against Tonga in the 2021 Autumn Nations Series.
"Generation exodus" - Five more England players linked with moves overseas
A number of England stars will likely head overseas following the 2023 Rugby World Cup as Premiership clubs struggle to meet their wage demands following the reduction to the salary cap.
Sam Simmonds confirmed he will be joining Montpellier this week with five other players possibly joining him overseas.
‘There is another argument that if England paid them more per game, that’s another way of bridging the gap. Players add up the whole package,’ Exeter boss Rob Baxter said.
‘That will cause some debate because England players are pretty well paid compared to some other nations.’
Three England players who are staying put are Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet and George Martin who have all agreed new Leicester deals.
ENGLAND EXODUS:
#1. Kyle Sinckler
The CV of the British and Irish Lions frontrower is doing the rounds amongst clubs in the French Top 14 for a potential move post 2023 World Cup, according to
The Rugby Paper while Sinckler's former club Harlequins are reported to be interest in him returning to West London.
#2. Jack Nowell
The Exeter winger is out of contract next summer and is attracting interest from Racing 92 and Clermont Auvergne while other clubs are still to finalise their future recruitment plans.
Jack Nowell of England during the Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on 19 June 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#3. Luke Cowan-Dickie
The hooker is out of contract in the summer and my be tempted to move on if best mate Jack Nowell does leave the club.
Exeter Chiefs player Luke Cowan-Dickie during the warm up before Gallagher Premiership Match between Wasps and Exeter Chiefs at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry on October 16th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
#4. Manu Tuilagi
next June when his contract expires, was very keen on a move to Racing 92 but the Top 14 have gone cold on a potential move. There is also considerable interest from clubs in the USA, but Japan are now the favourites to land the powerhouse centre with a possible reunion with Eddie Jones at Tokyo Sungoliath mooted.
Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#5. Anthony Watson
Signing just a one year deal with Leicester Tigers to see him past the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Watson has been linked with a move to the USA to join a Major League Rugby franchise.
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 51 caps) during England Rugby training session at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 28 Sept 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
.