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Tuilagi rumours have left a trail of confusion on Twitter
By Josh Raisey
After Manu Tuilagi was seen at Top 14 outfit Racing 92’s training ground recently, it has caused quite a stir on Twitter.
Rumours seem to be mounting that the Leicester and England centre could be making a move to the French capital on a three year deal after the World Cup.
This has caused a lot of confusion amongst England fans, as they cannot quite make sense of the timing of this move, as Tuilagi has just worked his way back into the England team after years of persistent injuries and off-field misdemeanours.
Many people may have thought that the big centre’s international career was over as he simply could not make a run of games. The fact that he is back to his best in an England shirt is why so many fans are questioning this move.
However, a lot of fans understand that it is his career at the end of the day, and it makes sense to go somewhere that can offer you security. Racing are one of the most free-spending clubs in Europe, and that would certainly have been on Tuilagi’s mind. Particularly, a long-term deal is good for a player that is very injury prone, and that may have been something that Leicester were not willing to give.
Regardless of the permutations of the potential move, many fans are also speculating how good Racing’s backline will be next season if the 27-year-old does move. With the likes of Finn Russell, Virimi Vakatawa, Simon Zebo, Juan Imhoff and Teddy Thomas already in Paris, Racing would surely have the most impressive backline in Europe next season with the added power of Tuilagi.
This potential move has also raised questions about the state of France’s entire system as well. In a week where the reputation of French rugby has been dragged through the mud after a huge loss to England at Twickenham, and Bernard Laporte saying the French system is at fault, this does not help the national team. Racing is one of their leading clubs and are counterproductively looking to bring players in from abroad rather than looking to the younger players coming through, which France certainly has.
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