Manu Tuilagi targets a third Rugby World Cup - with Samoa

Manu Tuilagi has left the door ajar for a World Cup switch to Samoa – if his body holds out that long.

The 34-year-old won the last of his 60 England caps in the final match of the 2024 Six Nations but will become eligible for the Pacific Islanders in time for Australia 2027.

The Samoans secured their place at the tournament with a tense draw against Belgium earlier this month, raising the tantalising possibility that the Bayonne centre could come on board for it.

It is on his radar but Tuilagi is wary of how much water is still to flow under the bridge before then.

“It was all over social media when Samoa qualified. For me it’s still a long way away and I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it,” he said.

“For me, it’s different between being interested and being able to compete. It’s a World Cup, it’s not a club competition. If you want to go, you want to make sure you go there to compete and not just go for the craic.”

“For me, interest is one thing and being realistic in how you perform is a different thing. We’ll see.”

Tuilagi, who was born in Samoa and spent the first 12 years of his life in the country, represented England at the 2011 and 2019 World Cups but can switch nations after a three-year stand-down under World Rugby regulations.

If he was to do so he would become the sixth Tuilagi brother to play for Samoa after Freddie, Henry, Alesana, Anitelea and Sanele Vavae.

For the time being at least his allegiance remains with England – as a fan.

“I came over for a couple of games – Fiji and the New Zealand game which was very impressive,” he said.

“We always struggled a bit with the depth of our squad but I looked at that and every position, for me there is some great competition there, especially the centres, like Ollie (Lawrence), Sladey, Max Ojomoh in the last game and (Fraser) Dingwall.

“Now they’re looking at bringing (Tommy) Freeman in there as well, which for me, is exciting.

“With the quality that he has, he can definitely play there. But I think he’ll need to get used to that position and play there a lot.”

Tuilagi’s playing priorities revolve around Bayonne in the Top 14 in what is his second season since moving from Sale.

“I’m enjoying the rugby,” he said. “It’s certainly different the way the French play the game. There’s a little bit of structure and then you’ve just got to be on your toes the whole time. They play what they see. It’s refreshing.

“French flair is definitely a real thing.”