Former England center Manu Tuilagi has hinted at a potential international comeback with Samoa for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The 34-year-old, now playing for French club Bayonne, could utilize World Rugby's birthright eligibility rule to represent his native country three years after his last England cap.
Family Ties and Tough Decisions
The powerful midfielder, who relocated to England at age 13, told Rugby Union Weekly: "My five brothers have played for Samoa - maybe they'll say 'go, get on the flight!'" Tuilagi's final England appearance ironically came against Samoa during the 2023 World Cup group stage.
"It's the World Cup - if you go, you go to win and give your best, not just to say you played another tournament. I'll be 36 then, so we'll see."
French Revival
Since joining Bayonne in 2024, Tuilagi has enjoyed a career renaissance, featuring in 20 league matches during their Top 14 playoff run. He attributes his improved fitness to France's less intense training regime and lifestyle: "Maybe it's the sun and red wine," he joked, highlighting reduced contact sessions compared to English clubs.
Bayonne's Electric Atmosphere
The Samoan-born star praised his new club's passionate supporters, describing the Stade Jean Dauger experience as rivaling Twickenham's atmosphere: "The first home game I thought 'this is nuts' - club rugby with international-level passion."
Tuilagi is scheduled to return to English soil with Bayonne for December's Champions Cup clash against Harlequins, followed by a January visit to former club Leicester Tigers.
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