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In demand Manu Tuilagi settles his future until 2027 World Cup
By Josh Raisey
Bayonne have staved off any suitors for former England centre Manu Tuilagi by agreeing a new deal which will run until 2027.
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The 34-year-old’s contract in the Basque Country was due to expire at the end of the season, and he had attracted interest from Japan Rugby League One and the breakaway R360 competition, which is spearheaded by his former England centre partner Mike Tindall.
In a brief statement online, Bayonne wrote: “Ageing like a fine wine. Our English centre will continue to torment defences and attacks next season.”
His new deal will expire just before the 2027 World Cup, where, at the age of 36, he could make a return to international rugby with Samoa, the country of his birth. Having earned the last of his 60 England caps in 2024, the centre will have undertaken World Rugby’s three-year stand-down period required to switch national allegiances.
With that said, a switch to represent Samoa would be contingent on the team qualifying for the World Cup. Samoa take part in the Rugby World Cup Regional play-off and Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai next month against Belgium, Namibia and Paraguay, with the last of the 24 World Cup places up for grabs.
Given the form he has shown for Bayonne since making the move to the Top 14 from Sale Sharks in 2024, it is not inconceivable that the 2013 British & Irish Lion could make a return to England to take part in his fourth World Cup (he missed the 2015 tournament).
Tuilagi has been one of the best centres in France over the past year, where he has largely remained injury-free since breaking his hand soon after arriving at the Stade Jean-Dauger.
Alongside his Fijian centre partner, Sireli Maqala, the 110kg centre was a member of the Top 14 team of the season in his debut campaign, as Bayonne finished fourth. He missed the semi-final defeat to eventual champions Toulouse, however, due to injury.
Tuilagi has picked up where he left off this season, though, as Bayonne sit in second place in the league.
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