Career lifeline in France for George Tilsley after his Agen sacking

Former New Zealand sevens international George Tilsley has been handed a career lifeline in France, making Soyaux-Angouleme his third club in the 2023/24 season after fallings-out with Toulouse and Agen.

Following four seasons at Perpignan, the 32-year-old versatile back was signed by Toulouse last summer, but he never got to play for them as he was taken into custody for domestic violence in August and then given a six-month suspended prison sentence.

Pro D2 club Agen picked him up but his six-game stint with them ended in a serious misconduct sacking in early March following an incident with club manager Thomas Leger on February 8 following their victory over Provence.

His season hasn’t ended with that second setback, though, as he has now signed for Soyaux-Angouleme, another Pro D2 club, as a medical joker through to the summer. A club website statement read: “George Tilsley has signed with the SA XV.

“After the injury of our fly-half Corentin Glenat, the club's management and staff started looking for a medical joker capable of helping the team at the end of the season.

"A versatile three-quarter capable of playing in the centre as well as on the wing, the New Zealander, who has played 70 games in Pro D2 and 96 in the Top 14, will be able to bring all his experience to this final sprint.

“Arriving in Agen in 2015, George played for them for three seasons before joining Bordeaux for one season, and joining USAP where he played four seasons for 20 tries scored. This season, George has made six appearances for Agen, scoring one try.”

Soyaux-Angouleme president Didier Pitcho said: "We reached out to George after talking to him and feeling he was a sincere player, determined to have a good end to the season with the club. We rely on his professionalism on and off the pitch. We are very happy to welcome him and to offer him this opportunity.”

Tilsley added: "I'm very happy to join the SA XV and wear this jersey. I'm looking forward to the challenge of staying in the league with my teammates.”

Soyaux-Angouleme are currently 14th in the 16-team French second-tier league with seven rounds of matches left.