England powerhouse Manu Tuilagi is the next high-profile rugby star to be targeted by Toronto Wolfpack as they prepare for life in Super League with cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams.
Toronto, who were promoted last month, are close to confirming the signing of the cross-code star on a lucrative two-year contract.
The Daily Telegraph revealed that Brian McDermott, Toronto’s head coach, watched the 34-year-old play for the All Blacks in their World Cup semi-final defeat by England in Yokohama, in which Tuilagi played.
New Zealand cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams is set to join Super League newcomers Toronto Wolfpack on a two-year deal.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 5, 2019
More here 👉 https://t.co/3IrYxTNIMl pic.twitter.com/DI96KXcJiv
They later held face-to-face talks with Williams being offered a deal that includes a minority stake in the Canadian club.
Tuilagi turned down a big-money move to French club Racing 92 this year and signed a contract extension to keep him at Welford Road until June 2021.
EDITORS PICKS:
- LIST: 8 Great Rugby World Cup WAGs
- 5 fastest players at Rugby World Cup
- RANKED: Foreign-Born Players at the RWC
- Brilliant nicknames of the England World Cup squad
- Rugby players who overcame disabilities
Another England international, Ben Te’o, who recently made the move to Toulon, also remains on Toronto’s radar.
The Canadian club is believed to have had contact with representatives of both players.