REPORTS | Manu Tuilagi has played his last game for England

Friday, 26 February 2021 at 05:08

byRugby Rucker

Powerhouse centre Manu Tuilagi may have played his last game for England if the latest reports are to be believed.

The 45-cap centre, who will be out until at least May with a snapped achilles tendon injury, will miss the entirety of the Six Nations, but is hoping to end his Test career with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa.

Tuilagi will miss the entire of the 2021 Six Nations with an Achilles injury

Tuilagi, who joined Sale Sharks on a 12 month contract following his dramatic exit from Leicester Tigers in July, 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 29-year-old being lined up to join Racing 92 or Toulon in the TOP14 ahead of the 2021/22 season.

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Clubs in Japan and the USA are also keen and are thought to be monitoring his situation.

Manu 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 2021 following the tour to South Africa.

WHO IS THE GREATEST-EVER ONE-CAP WONDER?

Warren Gatland named five England players as ‘certainties’ for the 2021 Lions tour

Speaking to the BBC in November 2019, Warren Gatland was asked by Ugo Monye to name five certainties for his Lions XV to face South Africa in 2021.

One year on, let's look at who he picked:

1. Jamie George

Position: Hooker

Age: 30

How's he doing? George has continued to star for England and is 1/20 to make the 2021 squad. Almost the first name on the team sheet right now following his hat-trick against Georgia.

DID YOU KNOW? He is an Aston Villa fan with his current favourite player being Jack Grealish.

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2. Maro Itoje

Position: Lock/Back-row

Age: 26

How's he doing? Still one of the best in the world. Definitely a certainty.

DID YOU KNOW? Gloucester speedster Ollie Thorley is Itoje’s cousin, after his grandfather re-married a Nigerian woman who is the Saracens lock’s aunt.

3. Tom Curry

Position: Flanker:

Age: 22

How's he doing? His performances across 2019 saw him nominated for the World Rugby player of the year. His stock has continued to rise since then. A certainty.

DID YOU KNOW? Tom studied at Oundle School – where the master in charge of rugby was their uncle and former England international John Olver.

4. Anthony Watson

Position: Back-three

Age: 26

How's he doing? Injury has ravaged his year, although he did make his return for England against Wales in the Autumn Nations Cup. Outstanding on his day, but not a certainty for the squad right now.

DID YOU KNOW? His uncle, Mark Watson, was one of the Concorde pilots. His two brothers, Marcus (Wasps) & Callum (Loughborough Students) are also rugby players

5. Manu Tuilagi

Position: Centre

Age: 29

How's he doing? Ruled out until at least May with an achilles injury, his chances of touring are starting to fade.

DID YOU KNOW? 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.