Former England centre Manu Tuilagi has quickly established himself as a key figure in the Top 14 since joining Bayonne in 2024.
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After an impressive debut season that earned him a place in the Top 14 Team of the Season alongside fellow former England players Jack Willis and David Ribbans, Tuilagi has carried that form into 2025/26.
He has started the first four games of the campaign, playing the full 80 minutes in each, as Bayonne have recorded a perfect four wins from four.
Samoa Eligibility
Tuilagi has acknowledged the possibility of switching his international allegiance to Samoa, citing his birth in Samoa and the updated eligibility laws that allow players to change nations after a three-year hiatus from Test rugby.
However, with the USA Eagles and other Pacific sides making strong pushes for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Samoa’s path to qualification has become more challenging.
Return to Leicester Tigers and England Recall
Speculation has arisen about a potential return to Leicester Tigers, where Tuilagi could reunite with former teammate Geoff Parling, now head coach at Leicester Tigers.
Such a move could also reopen the door for an England recall, with head coach Steve Borthwick reportedly still a big fan of the powerful centre.
Borthwick has previously praised Tuilagi’s physicality and leadership, and a return to the Gallagher Prem could give the coach the chance to reassess Tuilagi for upcoming international duty.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025/26 season progresses, Tuilagi’s performances will continue to attract attention. Whether he remains in France or returns to England, his impact on the field remains undeniable, and a Premiership return could provide both club glory and renewed international ambitions.
Rugby’s Power Couples: The Top 20 Stars and Their Partners (Ranked 20-1)
20. Ben White & Jodie Burridge
Scotland’s fiery scrum-half and British tennis ace Jodie bring the heat wherever they go — sporty, ambitious, and full of energy.
19. George Ford & Atdhetare Hoxha
England’s composed fly-half and his elegant fiancée keep things classic and classy. A quiet power couple in every sense.
18. Maro Itoje & Mimi Itoje
Understated, intelligent, and effortlessly cool. England’s cerebral lock and his stylish wife keep the spotlight where it belongs — on excellence.
17. Joe Marchant & Hollie Shearer
A rugby star meets football royalty’s daughter — the son-in-law Alan Shearer didn’t know he needed! A fun, media-friendly modern pair.
16. Marcus Smith & Beth Dolling
England’s flair player and his model-singer girlfriend bring fashion and flair to the rugby world. A young couple with superstar potential.
15. Simon Easterby & Sarra Elgan
Ireland’s forwards coach and the Welsh presenter are a rugby broadcasting dream team — brains, beauty, and a shared love of the game.
14. Finn Russell & Emma Canning
The Scottish playmaker and his multi-talented heptathlete partner are electric — charm, cheek, and competitiveness rolled into one.
13. Eben Etzebeth & Anlia van Rensburg
The Springbok enforcer and South African singer-songwriter embody raw passion and power — rugby grit meets glamour.
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