Manu Tuilagi comments on England’s overseas players policy ahead of French move
Englands-Manu-Tuilagi
England international Manu Tuilagi has commented on the RFU’s policy regarding selecting overseas-based players ahead of his move to Top 14 outfit Bayonne.
Tuilagi is set to play his final home game for Sale Sharks on Friday evening against Leicester Tigers before making the move to France.
His departure from the Premiership will effectively bring an end to his international career but Tuilagi has no regrets about his decision.
The centre earned his 60th cap against France in March – which looks set to be his last international outing.
Injuries and some disciplinary issues limited Tuilagi’s appearance tally but Tuilagi looks back on his time in a national jersey with satisfaction.
“Whatever you plan or what you want, sometimes you don’t get that, and that’s just life,” Tuilagi told PA.
“I’m just so happy. I can’t believe I’ve played 60 times for England. I’m just thankful and blessed that I was able to play that amount of times.
“Once is amazing, but to even get over 10 is unbelievable.”
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Change in policy and England career
Now, the 32-year-old feels that the time was probably right to draw a line under an England career that began in 2011.
“I think so,” he said. “It was a tough decision, but it’s another part of my journey. I’m getting old as well.
“The best thing is that we have players that are getting there nicely, the likes of Ollie Lawrence, ‘Slady’ (Henry Slade), those guys. They’ll be huge for England for a long time.
“I think the England team at the moment is unbelievable – the way that we finished off in the Six Nations. For me now, to be a fan and watch, I can’t wait. It’s exciting.”
Despite accepting that his Test career is over, he would not turn down another chance to represent his country if the opportunity arose.
But that would require the Rugby Football Union to change policy and make players based abroad eligible for selection – he accepts that seems unlikely.
He said: “What will be will be. If it does happen, it’ll be brilliant. If it doesn’t, it’s just life, I guess.
“But it’d be nice for players to be able to play anywhere and still play for England.”
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Finishing off his time with Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks are in contention for a semi-final spot in the Premiership as they enter the penultimate weekend ranked sixth overall. Coincidentally the Sharks host the Tigers on Friday before wrapping up their regular season campaign at Saracens.
“It’s emotional. It’s been an unbelievable four years and I’ve loved every minute of it,” he added.
“We’re excited to get out on Friday night. It’s a massive game against Leicester.
“It’s just going out there giving it all we’ve got for hopefully the last four games.”