Tuilagi must weigh lure of cash against call-ups

Manu Tuilagi has been told he could earn upwards of £750,000 a year if he sacrificed his England career and moved to Japan.

The centre (pictured) is looking for a new club after failing to agree cut-price terms with Leicester. Sale are reportedly among the Premiership clubs chasing him. However, a move to Asia would be the most lucrative option for the 29-year-old.

‘Most Japanese clubs have already filled up their playing roster for next season, but top earners are getting a million euros a year,’ said a source in Japan. ‘Manu wouldn’t be far off that. He could get at least 850,000 euros.’

France is also an option for Tuilagi, but that would also rule him out of future England call-ups.

Wealthy Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad yesterday told

The Mail on Sunday: ‘We wouldn’t sign him for the current season as it is closed, but maybe the season after.’