Tuilagi poised for comeback with Leicester after knee surgery
Manu Tuilagi is on the brink of a comeback game against Munster on Sunday that would lend a boost to England and Leicester.
The powerhouse centre has been stricken by ailments and setbacks over the past four years and his availability would enhance his club’s prospects of qualifying from their Champions Cup group ahead of a must-win Welford Road match.
And if that return goes to plan and the 26-year-old puts together a string of games, he could feature in England’s plans for the Six Nations.
Tuilagi, who missed the second half of last term with a knee injury, required surgery after sustaining a knock to his meniscus on the other knee in the opening game of the season against Bath.
His determination to return to action has been such that he went home to Samoa to see a local witch doctor who put the player through a course of exercise and massage to drive out evil spirits. Much as there is relief at his imminent appearance in Leicester colours there is also an edginess about yet another comeback attempt. Tuilagi has been here before only to suffer further blows.
“It is stressful for him because there is a lot of anxiety and hype around what he potentially can bring from our perspective,” said Leicester director of rugby Matt O’connor. “From the global rugby community, there is an excitement around how good he can be and whether he will get back to being the player he can be. He carries that expectation in himself all the time, but he is really positive. He wants to make a contribution.
“He has been training the last two weeks. We didn’t think we could fit him into the 23 for the game in Munster. The injury [broken jaw] to Telusa [Veainu] opens the potential for another body to be included, so we have got a bit more flexibility. A long week gives us another chance to give him some time in the group.
“If he comes through that short prep then we will look to involve him. The medics are very happy with his knee. They think he is well and truly over that and it is just the rigours of being back and playing.”
That Tuilagi’s presence looms large over the English game is based on past reputation rather than recent contribution. His last start for England was three years ago, with a further solitary appearance from the bench in 2016. He was included in a training camp in August only to be sent home with Sale Sharks wing Denny Solomona after a late-night drinking episode. Eddie Jones, though, has said that the disciplinary breach will not affect any future selection. The only consideration will be form.
“What Manu demonstrated when he came back at the start of this season is that he is capable of doing it,” said O’connor of Tuilagi’s ability to hit the heights very quickly. “[Along with returning Wallaby centre Matt Toomua] they are very, very good mentally. They know they can cope.”