>> Manu nears French move
LEICESTER Tigers appear to be losing their tug-of-war with the French Top 14 over England centre Manu Tuilagi who will make a decision about his future after the Six
Nations.
As we reported on January 27 Racing Metro have stepped up their interest in Tuilagi and he was spotted leaving their training ground last Monday.
Tuilagi was in France for a guided tour less than 24 hours after helping England beat Jacques Brunel’s Les Bleus at Twickenham.
The British Lions star, 27, who is also attracting the interest of Toulon and Lyon, is keen to quit Welford Road now that he is fit again after a string of injury problems.
Racing Metro are in pole position for his services with the Tigers struggling to match the kind of money that is being dangled in front of him to move to Paris.
Blindside understands that Tuilagi will still be able to play at the World Cup later this year even if he agrees a move to France.
A source has said that after his contract with The Tigers runs out in June he will pick up match payments with the RFU until the end of the World Cup.
He would then sign a contract with Racing Metro starting on November 1 which would spell the end of his international career.
Tuilagi, who joined the Tigers academy as a 15 year-old and would have been due a testimonial next season, will be treading a well worn path.
Each of his rugby playing brothers Andy, Alesana, Henry, Sanele and Freddie have all played in France at some stage of their careers.