End of an Era: Manu Tuilagi to Leave Sale Sharks for Bayonne

England center Manu Tuilagi will depart Sale Sharks at the conclusion of the season likely marking the end of his international career. The 32 years old has signed a two years contract with French Top 14 club Bayonne rendering him ineligible for England selection as players based overseas cannot be chosen. Tuilagi has earned 60 caps for England since his debut in 2011, scoring 20 tries and has also represented the British and Irish Lions.

Despite his impactful playing style, injuries have plagued his career causing him to miss 97 Tests. Tuilagi has won the Six Nations with England twice in 2016 and 2020, and played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. His move to France concludes his time with Sale Sharks where he has been since 2020 following his tenure with Leicester Tigers.

His departure from Sale was expected due to the arrival of Waisea Nayacalevu a player with a similar physical style. Alex Sanderson, Sale’s director of rugby expressed the team’s appreciation for Tuilagi’s contributions on and off the field.