Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Aaron Bower

‘I won’t miss the weather’: Manu Tuilagi bids farewell to England

Manu Tuilagi attacks for Sale
Manu Tuilagi will take centre stage in his final home league match in English rugby on Friday. Photograph: Tim Williams/Action Plus/Shutterstock

Manu Tuilagi arrived in the United Kingdom for what he initially believed was a short break to visit his brothers but now, 20 years later and with more than a whiff of a northern twang in his voice, that extended holiday in this part of the world is finally drawing to a close.

When Tuilagi’s parents returned to Samoa, a 12-year-old Manu opted to remain with his siblings. The boy who walked through the door at Rumney RFC to fill time while his brother Freddie was playing for the then Cardiff Blues, leaves the UK as one of the greats of English rugby over the past decade and more. It has been some journey, one with high and low points plus a moment or two of controversy to boot.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.