Tuilagi set for England farewell

MANU TUILAGI could make an emotional England farewell against France tomorrow after being recalled to the 23.

The Sale centre has been named on the bench for the clash, the first time he has been involved in the matchday 23 this Six Nations.

And it could be the last time the 32-year-old pulls on the white shirt with a move to France or Japan in the pipeline, which would bar him from England duty.

But head coach Steve Borthwick is hoping for a change of heart from the midfielder.

Borthwick said: “He knows I would want him to be in England, I want all our best players playing in England. Manu adds huge amounts to this squad, he’s a player who impacts upon people and he impacts upon games.

“The very best players make everyone else be five percent or 10 percent better, because of their presence. And Manu has that effect.”

Borthwick has kept changes to a minimum with Elliot Daly promoted to the wing for the concussed Immanuel FeyiWaboso and Tuilagi (above) taking the spare replacements’ spot.

Exeter back row Ethan Roots, who did not feature last week against Ireland, is another substitute coming in for another casualty Chandler Cunningham-South.

As expected, George Ford retains the No.10 shirt ahead of Marcus Smith despite the Harlequin’s winning drop goal against the Irish.

Tuilagi made his debut in 2011 but this will be just his 60th cap after a series of serious injuries.

He is set to announce his future next week but Bayonne, in the French Top 14, are leading the race for his signature.