Last weekend, a heartwarming video of the Tuilagi family dancing in the streets of Bayonne quickly captured the attention of rugby fans worldwide. The reunion, featuring several members of the famous rugby-playing family, was a celebration of their bond both on and off the pitch.
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Manu Tuilagi Misses Out on Nephew Showdown
If not for a hand injury suffered during pre-season, former England centre Manu Tuilagi would have faced off against his nephew, Posolo Tuilagi, last Saturday. Instead, Manu watched from the sidelines as his new side secured a narrow 21-19 victory over Perpignan.
Despite being sidelined, Manu remained in high spirits, celebrating his team’s win while watching Posolo, who came on early in the second half for Perpignan. Weighing in at 150kg, the young Tuilagi was unable to force a comeback for his side, but the family reunion after the match remained the highlight of the day.
Could Tuilagi Switch Allegiance?
With his departure from England, Manu Tuilagi could now consider representing another nation, thanks to new eligibility laws introduced by World Rugby. These regulations allow players to switch national teams after a three-year break from Test rugby, provided they have a parent or grandparent born in the country they wish to represent.
Several former England players are exploring the possibility of switching allegiances, and Manu could be among them. His deep connection to Samoa, the country of his birth, could see him join the ranks of his brothers who represented Manu Samoa rather than their adopted European nations.
“England is Special, but My Heart is Samoa”
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Manu Tuilagi expressed his strong ties to both England and Samoa. “England is very special to me, of course, but my heart and home is still Samoa,” he said, adding that he would love to don the blue jersey of Samoa one day.
Unlike his brothers Anitelea, Alesana, Henry, and Freddie, all of whom chose to represent Samoa, Manu has been the outlier, playing his international rugby for England.
2027 World Cup Hopes
Should Tuilagi decide to switch to Samoa, he could potentially be eligible for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. However, time may not be on his side, as he would be 35 years old by then. Regardless, his potential return to the Samoan fold could add another chapter to the Tuilagi family’s rich rugby legacy.
Other England players who could swap nations:
#1. Alex Lozowski
The 29-year-old, who has five England caps with his last appearance in 2018, is eligible to represent Italy through his Italian grandparent.
While Lozowski turned down Italy in 2022, the team’s improved performances during the 2024 Six Nations may tempt him to reconsider. His versatility and quality would be a significant boost to Italy’s ambitions.
Lozowski’s sporting career could have taken a different direction, as he was part of Chelsea FC’s academy until the age of 16 before deciding to focus on rugby. He later joined the Leeds Carnegie Academy after completing his A-levels, and earned a degree in Economics from Leeds University.
