The surprising Manu Tuilagi stat that may see ex-England star excel in this season’s Investec Champions Cup
Manu Tuilagi.
Former England star Manu Tuilagi has revealed a surprising statistic that has seen him return to some of the best form of his life.
Currently plying his trade in France for Aviron Bayonnais, Tuilagi has recaptured some of the sparkle that once made him a devastating force in English rugby.
Life in Bayonne
Sitting down with Planet Rugby at the Investec Champions Cup launch event last week, the 34-year-old reflected on the past couple of seasons at his new club and the fantastic shape he currently finds himself in.
But why is he in such good shape again? Well, the sea air certainly helps.
“I’m really enjoying it with the family,” Tuilagi said of his time in Bayonne since arriving in the summer of 2024. “The kids are loving it, the sea and school, that’s the big thing, so happy days.”
Having spent the majority of his career in England, the powerful centre is enjoying the different style of rugby in France.
“I’m really enjoying the rugby, the lifestyle, the different way of playing the game. It’s refreshing and easier for me to enjoy it, I suppose.”
Tuilagi struggled with a seemingly non-stop stream of injuries in his latter years in England. However, since arriving in France, his time in the medical room has shortened.
“The last season, I saw some stats, it was the most games I’ve played since 2012/13. I think it’s something to do with the sun and the wine and the seawater,” he joked.
The stats don’t lie. In fact, during the 2024/25 season, he played a remarkable 21 club matches, starting in 19.
World Cup aspirations?
It appears that Tuilagi’s resurgence ahead of the start of the 2025/26 Champions Cup could now result in further international honours, but this time for Samoa.
Tuilagi’s last match for England was in March 2024, meaning that after the compulsory three-year stand down, he will be eligible for selection for Samoa in 2027, just ahead of the World Cup.
“When Samoa qualified, that came on my social media a lot. For me, it’s different between being interested and wanting to compete; it’s a World Cup, not a club game. But for me, I don’t even know if I’ll still play by then, still a couple of years away.”
Pressed on the subject, Tuilagi gave us a smirk and said simply: “You never know.”
Investec Champions Cup hopes
Bayonne currently sit fifth in the Top 14, and Tuilagi’s presence is certainly noticed when he is not around.
His side have won six of the seven matches he has been involved in this season, an 85 per cent success rate, while they have won just one of the four matches – 25 per cent – when he has been absent.
With the Investec Champions Cup pool stage now set to begin, Tuilagi and his teammates will be aware of the challenge they face.
They share a pool with four-time winners Leinster Rugby, two-time winners Leicester Tigers and Stade Rochelais, 2021 English Prem champions Harlequins, and 2022 United Rugby Championship winners DHL Stormers.
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