Racing 92 tempt Tuilagi with huge £2.5m deal and he admits: Turning my back on England is the most difficult decision of my life

MANU TUILAGI admitted last night that the decision whether or not to quit English rugby is the hardest of his life.

The Leicester star is out of contract this summer and has been offered a bumper deal by mega-rich French outfit Racing 92.

It would mean not only turning his back on the Tigers, who have been so supportive during his injury-ravaged career – but England too.

“It is the toughest decision I’ve had to make,” said Tuilagi, who has a three-year deal on the table from Racing, worth around £830,000 a year. “There is a lot on the line for everyone.”

Tigers cannot match that sort of spending power, with their counter-offer believed to be in the region of £550,000.

Add England match fees and the overall package is close – but Red Rose income is not guaranteed. There is no hiding Tuilagi’s delight at being back in the England fold (above) after five years disrupted by injury.

“I love it, I love being able to be with the boys and train day in, day out,” he said, in Oxford yesterday.

“Being around such talent, it’s a great opportunity to get better as a player.

“It’s also an opportunity to have a second go with England, which some people might not get. So this is a massive decision and one I have to get right for me and my family.”

Leicester are still hopeful of swaying the 27-year-old’s choice, but boss Geordan Murphy conceded: “We simply cannot match the salary in France.

“Manu has to do what is best for him. Sometimes it will come down to a really tough decision, with regard to finance and the legacy he leaves behind here.”

Tuilagi was part of the England team beaten by Wales and Murphy fears contract thoughts have been a “little distracting” for him.

What will focus his mind is the sight of Georgia’s national team opposing England on the training field today.

“We will all suit up and there will be some contact,” said Georgia coach Milton Haig.

“When two sides have a mindset that they don’t want to give an inch, you usually get a bit of tension.”