Sale Sharks have today announced the signing of Manu Tuilagi.
After leaving Leicester Tigers, the 29-year-old Tuilagi has agreed terms with Sharks up to the end of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership season.
Tuilagi came through the Tigers academy to make his senior debut in May 2008. He enjoyed a Premiership breakthrough in 2010/11 and won a league title with the club in 2013, scoring a try in the final against Northampton Saints among his 129 appearances for the club.
He has also gained 43 Test caps with England and one with the British & Irish Lions.
Manu’s older brother Andy spent three seasons at Sale Sharks between 2008-11.
Former team-mate and coach Geordan Murphy, now director of rugby at Tigers, said: “We’ve seen Manu develop here from a young age and follow his brothers into the first team at Tigers. We had hoped that he would be here for the remainder of his contract but, as we have said all along, everyone has to make their own decisions.
“Manu has been a big part of this club and we thank him for everything he has done for the Tigers and we wish him well for the future.”
A statement released from Manu’s family said: “I would like to take this opportunity to convey our thanks to everybody at Leicester Tigers for all their love and support for the past 11 years. I am very grateful for all the support and friendship from the coaches and all the staff at the club, but even more so to the remarkable supporters who make the Tigers such a unique special club!
“It has been an enormous honour and privilege for me and my family to be part of the history of one of the greatest rugby clubs in the world and the Tigers has always been so special to myself and my brothers, for the past 20 years. I wish for nothing but the best for our Tigers Family going forward. Everyone has their own pathway in life and I am excited to see what the future holds.
“I’m thankful to Steve Diamond and Sale Sharks for giving me this great opportunity and I’m looking forward to play with some world class players here. Leicester Tigers will always have a special place in the hearts of the Tuilagi family.
“With love and best wishes to all from Manu, Chantelle and Leilani. x”
