Manu Tuilagi suffers all too familiar setback as Top 14 debut put on ice
Manu Tuilagi in action for England against South Africa in 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Former England international centre Manu Tuilagi has been hit by an injury setback ahead of the Top 14 campaign after he suffered a broken hand in a pre-season game.
The 33-year-old made the decision to leave the Premiership at the end of the season as he signed a deal with Bayonne, thus ending his Test career with the Red Rose.
Tuilagi played 60 times for England but, due to the country’s overseas policy, the powerful centre made himself ineligible once he agreed to move to the French team.
Broken hand
However, he will have to wait to make his Top 14 bow for Bayonne due to sustaining the injury that is set to rule the star signing out for a significant period, with Bayonne predicting that Tuilagi’s recovery is set to take between six to eight weeks.
It’s the latest injury to add to a lengthy list for the player in a frustrating career.
“Following the preparation match against Biarritz Olympique, some players are returning to the infirmary (hospital),” a Bayonne statement read after the 42-5 win.
“Manu Tuilagi, with a broken hand, will be out for between six and eight weeks.
“We obviously wish a good and speedy recovery to all of our players who are currently unavailable.”
Bayonne kick off their Top 14 campaign against Perpignan on Saturday, September 7 with the injury possibly delaying the Lions tourist’s full debut until October.
Tuilagi departed former club Sale Sharks following their Premiership play-off defeat to Bath in June as he decided to make the financially lucrative move to France.
Bayonne, who have also signed former Northampton Saints forward Alex Moon, finished last season in 12th position, one place above the relegation play-off spot.
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