I still have mentality of a champion, insists Joshua

‘Rugby is tougher than ever. I thought it might be the time to hang the boots up’

might have been time to hang the boots up.”

Helping 11th-placed Tigers “climb the table” to avoid the ignominy of relegation is a more immediate goal for Tuilagi.

“We want to be up there with the best in the business and I am looking forward to giving my best to help the club,” he says, before being pressed on the possibility of a move to the 13-man code. “You have to focus on the now and I’ve two years at Tigers.”

Eddie Jones, the England head coach, has already been in touch with one of his most influential figures since the squad touched down on these shores. “He always checks up on me,” Tuilagi adds. “And all the boys, as well, to see how they are doing. He’s a good man like that. He really cares about all the boys.”

In 2021, there is the tantalising prospect of a British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. Warren Gatland will be head coach of the invitational outfit once more and has highlighted Tuilagi, who will be 30 by then, as an individual who could help secure the Test series.

There are no grand predictions from the man himself, who toured Australia in 2013 before knee ligament damage ruled him out of a showdown with the All Blacks four years later. “I know if I keep working hard and keep playing well for my club then that will take care of itself,” Tuilagi says. “It’s an exciting year to come and 2021 is a long way away.”

A long way, indeed, and a period that will see a generational talent weigh up pivotal decisions over his future in the 15-a-side game. Would revenge figure in his thinking if he were to take on South Africa in the famous red shirt? “Not really,” replies a relaxed Tuilagi, simply happy to be fit and firing. “You don’t want to take that game into that tour because it will probably put you off your game. You don’t want to be taking it personally.”

Canterbury is the official partner of the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021. For more information visit Canterbury.com

Anthony Joshua reacted angrily yesterday to questions that he might be suffering from mental fragility as he prepares to face Andy Ruiz Jnr again in Saudi Arabia next month to claim back the three world title belts he lost in New York five months ago.

“I’m no pussy, I’m a champion,” responded Joshua to questions relating to “needing help mentally” after the defeat at Madison Square Garden.

Joshua also launched an impassioned defence of Rob Mccracken, his trainer, following the criticism that followed his stunning knockout defeat by Ruiz in June.

“Rob is more than a trainer. He helped me when I got kicked off the GB squad and they didn’t