Manu Tuilagi’s Farewell to England: The Formidable Tuilagi Clan’s Next Chapter

As Manu Tuilagi prepares for his last home game with Sale before a summer move to France, a peculiar situation has emerged. His three-year-old son, Leo, has recently started attending rugby tots classes in the Cheshire area, raising alarm among parents of other young players. It’s a matter that will soon become a potential concern for families in Bayonne, the French city where Tuilagi and his family will establish a new outpost for the renowned Tuilagi clan.

Emotional Farewell at Sale

Friday’s sold-out Premiership clash with Leicester in Salford will be a poignant occasion for the departing England centre. “It’s quite emotional to know that this will be the last home game at Sale,” Tuilagi said. “I’ve loved it here. Four years has gone so quickly, it feels like I just came here yesterday.” The fact that Sale, who are still vying for a play-off spot, are taking on the club where Tuilagi made his name adds an extra layer of significance to the occasion.

Reflecting on the Journey

Reflecting on his journey, Tuilagi expressed gratitude for the way his career has unfolded, despite the many setbacks and dramas that would have broken the spirit of a less positive individual. From the initial culture shock of arriving in England from Samoa to the threat of deportation, Tuilagi has weathered it all with a laid-back approach, preferring to “go with the flow” rather than overthinking every step.

Cherished Moments

While specific on-field highlights may not immediately come to mind, Tuilagi’s most cherished moment was his return to the England team in 2018 after a lengthy injury layoff. “My favourite moment, I think, was 2018 when I came back for England,” he said. “I’d been out for a long time. I think I got on for the last 10 or 15 minutes. For me, that was quite big.“

The Future of England and Samoa

With the impending move to France, Tuilagi’s international career with England has come to an end, but he remains optimistic about the team’s future under Steve Borthwick. “The way we ended the Six Nations, it felt like everything came together,” he said. Tuilagi also offered high praise for Ollie Lawrence, the player set to inherit his mantle as the midfield powerhouse in the England setup.

As Tuilagi embarks on this new chapter, the prospect of representing Samoa at the 2027 World Cup was briefly discussed, only for the 32-year-old to dismiss the idea with a playful quip, “I’d be 45 by then – on my real passport!“

Focusing on the Present

Tuilagi’s longevity in the game can be attributed to his profound love for the sport and the desire to provide for his family. However, he admits to having no concrete plans for life after rugby, content to focus on the present and let the future unfold. “I’m just thinking of rugby,” he said. “I’m going to have to keep playing. I’ve got no choice!“

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