Jones delighted with Tuilagi decision and happy for Farrell to play in Championship

Eddie Jones has expressed delight at Manu Tuilagi’s decision to stay in England and is not concerned that Owen Farrell will be playing in the Championship next season.

Tuilagi this week joined Sale Sharks on a deal until the end of next season after failing to agree terms to remain with Leicester Tigers.

The British and Irish Lion was linked with a move to France or a code swap, options which would have ended his England career.

Jones says the 29-year-old’s switch to Sale is great news for the Rugby World Cup runners-up.

The England head coach said: “Manu made up his mind what he was going to do. We had a couple of phone calls, we kept in contact the whole time.

“I gave him a small piece of advice, but he knew what he wanted to do. He’s a valuable Test player, his performance in the World Cup and Six Nations indicated there is still more in him and I’m delighted by his decision.

“It’s obviously a difficult time for everyone at the moment and we are glad he’s made that decision.”

Manu already knows what time it is…#SharkTime pic.twitter.com/1OJM1oCOGh

— Sale Shark (@SaleSharksRugby) July 14, 2020

Farrell will not be on the move after committing his long-term future to Saracens, who are heading for the second tier due to persistent salary-cap breaches.

It was also revealed that Mako Vunipola, Elliot Daly and Jamie George will stay with Sarries this week and Jones says the European champions’ England contingent will be picked if they are performing well enough.

He said: “I’ll be comfortable [picking Saracens players] if they’re in good form. Players who have a track record of Test match success, I’ll have a pretty good idea of where they are and where they need to be.

“My understanding is most of the younger guys at Saracens are moving to other clubs so they will not have the same issues that the older players have. 

“Without sounding too grandiose, if I look at Owen Farrell it doesn’t matter what game he plays I’ve got a pretty good understanding of where he needs to be.”

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