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.
