Sale pull off Tuilagi coup

Sale Sharks have pulled off a major coup by signing England centre Manu Tuilagi.

Tuilagi, 29, had been linked with a move to France or a code switch to rugby league after failing to agree terms to extend his stay with Leicester Tigers.

The British and Irish Lion will be eligible to continue his England career, though, after joining Sale on a deal until the end of the 2020-21 season.

Tuilagi could end the 2019-20 campaign as a Premiership champion, with the Sharks second in the table as they prepare to return to action on August 14, more than five months since the coronavirus crisis brought the season to a halt.

IT’S OFFICIAL @Manutuilagi is a @SaleSharksRugby player

Could he be the man to lead them to a #GallagherPrem title?

Read all about it https://t.co/5gs9jk7B8b pic.twitter.com/94V0JUpxhB

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) July 13, 2020

Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond said: “We contacted Manu’s agent and Leicester Tigers last week to discuss the player’s current position.

“After discussions on Friday, all parties – Leicester Tigers, Manu Tuilagi and Sale Sharks – agreed that the player was a free agent and was able to enter into negotiations with another club.

“Manu will be a fantastic commercial and playing addition to our squad and I am looking forward to seeing him join up with the lads at Carrington this week.”

Tuilagi’s brother, Andy, spent three seasons with Sale from 2008 to 2011.

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