Tuilagi can show bite at Sharks

MAnU TUILAGI is poised to resurface in Sale colours this week, beginning his new life as a Shark after a decade as a Tiger in the east Midlands.

If he can avoid further demoralising injuries, the 29-year-old england centre has a vast amount to offer.

Leicester players will not relish having to stop him at full throttle and the same applies to all other defenders who might have hoped Tuilagi would accept a heap of yen and go to Japan.

All those who would dismiss him as a fading force don’t have to tackle him. Those who do are more respectful of the intimidating potency of a man who was a key part of eddie Jones’ national team at last year’s World Cup — and remains in the head coach’s plans. So Tuilagi will not be joining Sale to cruise towards retirement.

Leicester’s hierarchy and fans may have grown weary of all the absences caused by international call-ups and medical setbacks, but they will also know Tuilagi (below) could come back to haunt them.

While current circumstances are unprecedented, this is the latest example of a trend towards greater player mobility.

The era of the one-club man is not over but times are changing. Rugby may eventually go the way of football by accepting a more dynamic transfer market, albeit one without the astronomical fees.

Clubs are increasingly treating players as commodities and demonstrating a ruthless streak in contract negotiations, not just as a result of the pandemic. In return, more players are recognising the need to maximise their commercial worth, on the basis that they are at the mercy of a fickle industry. So, on both sides, allegiance will have a price. The addition of Tuilagi gives Sale remarkable firepower, especially if he is paired with the mighty South African Rohan Janse van Rensburg. It is a shame that the Cheshire club have secured such a box- office asset when crowds are not allowed. In time, he will put bums on seats, but for now he will reinforce the Sharks’ quest to repeat their 2006 Premiership triumph.