England centre Manu Tuilagi showcased his enduring prowess with a sublime try for Sale in their match against Bath this afternoon at The Rec.
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In a significant development, the powerful player has reached an agreement to leave Sharks at the conclusion of the season.
Tuilagi is set to embark on a new chapter in his career, having signed a two-year deal with Bayonne in the summer, effectively marking the end of his international tenure with England.
Having recently bid farewell to the international stage with a cameo appearance off the bench against France last Saturday, the 32-year-old is poised to render himself ineligible for future England selections by joining the ranks of the Top 14 side.
Amidst keen interest from multiple clubs, Tuilagi is reported to have visited Bayonne for a medical evaluation on Monday following the conclusion of the Six Nations tournament. Should he meet all the requisite medical criteria, he is anticipated to bolster the ranks of the Top 14 club, currently positioned ninth in the league standings.
Tuilagi’s prospective employers will undoubtedly be buoyed by his performance today, which saw him execute a mesmerising display of skill as he evaded a defender with a spin and step before crossing the try line.
“A liability” – Telegraph rank England’s five worst 2024 Six Nations players
Telegraph Sport conducted a thorough assessment of each England player’s performance during the Six Nations, with criticism aimed at several individuals.
One player was labeled a liability, while another is advised to come to terms with the idea that their peak playing days may be behind them.
5 players who underperformed:
#5. Alex Coles – 6/10
Coles is a member of the Premiership outfit Northampton Saints, a club he has been associated with since the age of 13. His journey with the Saints began when he joined their senior academy in the summer of 2017, eventually making his senior debut in November of the following year.
With versatility spanning across the second and back rows, Coles has represented his country from U16 level all the way through to U20, featuring prominently in the U20 Six Nations and the World Rugby U20 Championship.
His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the England senior Men’s squad ahead of the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, where he marked his debut in their narrow 30-29 defeat against Argentina.
They wrote: “A cumulative 15 minutes of action, but it is telling that England opted for no lock replacement in their final two matches.”
RUCK RATING: 6.25/10
