Former England centre Manu Tuilagi has quickly established himself as a key figure in the Top 14 since joining Bayonne in 2024. <\/p>\n
Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Samoa Eligibility<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n However, with the USA Eagles and other Pacific sides making strong pushes for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Samoa\u2019s path to qualification has become more challenging.<\/p>\n Return to Leicester Tigers and England Recall<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n Borthwick has previously praised Tuilagi\u2019s physicality and leadership, and a return to the Gallagher Prem could give the coach the chance to reassess Tuilagi for upcoming international duty.<\/p>\n Looking Ahead<\/p>\n As the 2025\/26 season progresses, Tuilagi\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Rugby\u2019s Power Couples: The Top 20 Stars and Their Partners (Ranked 20-1)<\/p>\n 20. Ben White & Jodie Burridge<\/p>\n Scotland\u2019s fiery scrum-half and British tennis ace Jodie bring the heat wherever they go \u2014 sporty, ambitious, and full of energy.<\/p>\n 19. George Ford & Atdhetare Hoxha<\/p>\n England\u2019s composed fly-half and his elegant fianc\u00e9e keep things classic and classy. A quiet power couple in every sense.<\/p>\n 18. Maro Itoje & Mimi Itoje<\/p>\n Understated, intelligent, and effortlessly cool. England\u2019s cerebral lock and his stylish wife keep the spotlight where it belongs \u2014 on excellence.<\/p>\n 17. Joe Marchant & Hollie Shearer<\/p>\n A rugby star meets football royalty\u2019s daughter \u2014 the son-in-law Alan Shearer didn\u2019t know he needed! A fun, media-friendly modern pair.<\/p>\n 16. Marcus Smith & Beth Dolling<\/p>\n England\u2019s flair player and his model-singer girlfriend bring fashion and flair to the rugby world. A young couple with superstar potential.<\/p>\n 15. Simon Easterby & Sarra Elgan<\/p>\n Ireland\u2019s forwards coach and the Welsh presenter are a rugby broadcasting dream team \u2014 brains, beauty, and a shared love of the game.<\/p>\n 14. Finn Russell & Emma Canning<\/p>\n The Scottish playmaker and his multi-talented heptathlete partner are electric \u2014 charm, cheek, and competitiveness rolled into one.<\/p>\n 13. Eben Etzebeth & Anlia van Rensburg<\/p>\n The Springbok enforcer and South African singer-songwriter embody raw passion and power \u2014 rugby grit meets glamour.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n