Manu Tuilagi explains why he has ‘definitely’ become a better player since quitting England
Manu Tuilagi on England duty in 2024
Ex-England midfielder Manu Tuilagi has claimed he is a better player after his first season in France and explained the reasons behind this uptick in his durability.
The 34-year-old endured multiple lengthy spells on the sidelines during his international rugby career and throughout his Premiership club stints with Leicester and Sale.
However, his move across the Channel to Bayonne has ignited a selection consistency renaissance. Other than a small hand fracture suffered in a pre-season match against Biarritz in August 2024, he was an injury-free, must-play option for his Top 14 club.
Tuilagi’s 2024/25 stats were impressive, starting in 18 of his 20 appearances, becoming an integral part of the team’s backline in their run to the semi-finals, and getting named in the Top 14 league’s team of the season.
“Nice to have a change…”
His improved availability to play has made for a welcome change. “Maybe the sun has something to do with it! I love it,” he quipped in an interview with the Daily Mail before Saturday’s 26-19 new-season win at Perpignan, a game where he wore the No.12 jersey.
“The fact I’m here all the time has played a part. I haven’t been going back and forth with internationals. I have been training hard and consistently, and that has been key to me staying fit and playing a lot of games.
“I still like coffee in the morning. Only coffee. It’s probably not good for me, and maybe I shouldn’t say that! For dinner, I like to eat salmon, lamb neck soup or lamb breast with taro.”
World Rugby rankings: Springboks continue to fall down the rankings after All Blacks defeat
Asked if he is a better player now than he was in his pomp with England, Tuilagi replied: “Definitely. I have enjoyed the challenges that have come with moving here. I have felt growth as both a person and a player.
“It has been nice to have a change. Change is hard at the start, but it’s been a good thing for me to experience the Top 14. It has been different, but that is the beauty of life, isn’t it? If everything is always the same, what is the point? It can get a bit stale then.”
It was in the 2024 Six Nations when Tuilagi made his last England appearance. He has been to some matches since then as a fan, singling out one player he loves to watch.
“I love watching Ollie Lawrence. He is injured at the moment. I was gutted for him to miss out on a big year with the Lions, but he is still young. He has got everything – power, pace, skill. He has got a kicking game as well. I just hope he stays fit and carries on.”
Reflecting on his own time in the Test midfield, he added: “One of my favourite England games was against Australia at Twickenham in 2018. I came off the bench. I had been out for a long time with a groin injury, and it was my first game back after about two years.
“That was a very hard time. So, for me to get back on the field, even though I only came on for something like 15 minutes, meant a lot.”