Manu Tuilagi to Samoa
His 60th appearance in England’s Six Nations defeat to France in March marked the end of a 13-year international stint post his naturalization from Samoa.
RFU regulations dictate that departing Premiership players lose their shot at international selection.
Manu said: “It’s a tough one because you still want to play [for England] but I’ve learned that what you want, you don’t always get. I think I’ll miss it, but now I’ll be a fan.
“The last two games of the Six Nations, Ireland then going to France, taking it right to the wire – it’s exciting. I am excited to see the boys keep that growth going, I think there is so much growth in that team. As a fan I am so excited.”
While it’s a long shot, should the powerhouse centre still be at it in 2027, the then 36-year-old could switch allegiance to his native Samoa for the grand tournament.
Born with the name Manusamoa, he pays tribute to the Samoan national team, Manu Samoa, as his brother Freddie represented Samoa in the World Cup of 1991, the year Manu was born.