Manu Tuilagi 'out for six to eight weeks' in devastating blow for new Top 14 club

Former England centre Manu Tuilagi will have to wait before he can debut for new club Bayonne in the Top 14 after he suffered a broken hand in pre-season.

Tuilagi brought his international career to an end after 60 appearances earlier this year when he decided to leave Sale and sign for French outfit Bayonne.

The 33-year-old, who suffered a string of injury issues during his 13 years in the England set-up, featured for Bayonne in Saturday’s 42-5 pre-season victory over Biarritz Olympique, but injured his left hand and is set for a spell on the sidelines.

A recovery time of six-to-eight weeks has been predicted by Bayonne, which would rule the ex-Leicester centre out of their Top 14 opener with Perpignan on September 7 and potentially delay his competitive debut until October.

“Following the preparation match against Biarritz Olympique, some players are returning to the infirmary (hospital),” a Bayonne statement read.

“Manu Tuilagi, with a broken hand, will be out for between six and eight weeks.

“We obviously wish a good and speedy recovery to all of our players who are currently unavailable.”

Tuilagi left Sale after their Gallagher Premiership play-off loss to Bath in June.