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Manu Tuilagi last played for England in their third-place play-off with Argentina at the World CupVenue: Groupama Stadium, Lyon Date: Saturday, 16 March Kick-off: 20:00 GMTCoverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live & BBC Sounds; live text updates & highlights on BBC Sport website & app; watch on ITV1
Centre Manu Tuilagi avoided revealing his future England plans amid reports linking him with a move abroad.external-link
The 32-year-old is yet to feature this Six Nations, but was named on the bench for England’s final game against France in Lyon.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership Rugby have a rule whereby players selected for England must compete in the Premiership.
“The plan is to hopefully get on the pitch on Saturday,” Tuilagi said.
“I don’t really know what I am doing tomorrow to be fair!”
Despite Tuilagi winning his first cap in 2011, an injury-plagued 13-year Test career means Saturday would be just his 60th and final cap if he does move abroad.
The centre played a key role in England’s run to the 2019 World Cup final and more recently their third-place finish at last autumn’s World Cup in France.
“I feel very blessed to be able to get back into the team,” he added. “We’ve got an unbelievable team. For me to be able to get this opportunity again – I love it.
“For me representing England and getting opportunity is a blessing and I can’t wait. Every time I get to represent England it could be the last game.”
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England head coach Steve Borthwick, who has favoured Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade as his centre combination since Tuilagi’s return from injury, is “hopeful” the Sale player remains in the Premiership and available for selection.
“There are no plans confirmed as yet, to my understanding,” Borthwick said. “Ultimately it’s up to Manu and the opportunities that present themselves.
“From my point of view, he knows I would want him to be in England – I want all our best players playing in England.”
England, who are four points behind Ireland at the top of the table, must beat France to stand any chance of winning the Six Nations.
Ireland will retain their title if they beat or draw with Scotland in Dublin, with a losing bonus-point also likely to be enough to clinch the title.
