French Top 14 teams are in a frenzy over the potential acquisition of Manu Tuilagi, with two rival clubs poised for an intense battle to secure his signature.
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Perpignan has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to sign Tuilagi, where he would follow in the footsteps of his brother Henry and join his nephew Posolo at the club.
However, their ambitions face stiff competition from Montpellier, who are eager to snatch the England and Sale Sharks powerhouse away.
Montpellier is reportedly planning a major overhaul of their squad, with a wave of departures on the horizon as they eye Tuilagi as a prized addition to their ranks.
Meanwhile, in the Premiership, Sale Sharks are determined to keep hold of Tuilagi, but face a tough challenge from the lure of French rugby.
Additionally, sources suggest that Bristol Bears are also in the mix, albeit with budget constraints limiting their financial offer to around £100,000 per season.
“Dropped this weekend” – Five players who’ve flopped during the 2024 Six Nations
Amidst the intensity of the tournament, let’s spotlight the top five underperforming stars of the competition (thus far)…
#1. Nick Tompkins (Wales)
Warren Gatland, the Wales coach, has made four changes to the lineup ahead of their Six Nations clash against France, dropping the out-of-form Tompkins.
Tompkins’ struggles were evident from the start, as he earned a mere 3/10 rating in the tournament opener against Scotland. His performance was marred by being outmuscled by Sione Tuipulotu, highlighting his lack of physicality. Additionally, defensive lapses allowed Scotland to exploit gaps, and a costly ball spill disrupted Wales’ momentum, leading to his substitution for Mason Grady at the 52-minute mark.
His shortcomings persisted against England, where he failed to make an impact in midfield and contributed to turnovers, earning a marginally better rating of 4/10.
Against Ireland, Tompkins’ struggles reached a new low, as he lacked the necessary power and received a dismal 2/10 rating. His inability to handle Bundee Aki’s physicality and his ineffectiveness in supporting North on the outside compounded Wales’ woes. Despite an initial display of defensive effort, Tompkins faded as the game progressed, leaving his channel vulnerable to Ireland’s relentless attacks.