Manu Tuilagi is likely to end his England career on Saturday as they pursue an unlikely Six Nations title against France in Lyon.
Tuilagi’s 13 years of international rugby has been filled with scandals, injury problems and barnstorming performances, living up to his family’s illustrious reputation.
The Samoa-born powerhouse centre is on the bench to face Les Bleus this weekend and is set for his first England appearance since October’s Rugby World Cup third-place play off victory.
The Sale Sharks midfielder, who has been linked with a move to French clubs Perpignan, Bayonne and Montpellier, which would bring down the curtain on his Test career, made his England debut as a 20-year-old.
“It is amazing. I wake up every day and think ‘wow, this is an amazing life’,” Tuilagi told reporters on Friday.
“Life is full of up and downs and that is what makes it so exciting,” he added.
Tuilagi, 32, scored a try in the Rugby World Cup warm-up win over Wales at Twickenham in 2011 in his first international, outside legendary fly-half Jonny Wilkinson.
“I remember being the youngest one there and shitting myself,” Tuilagi said.
“I remember coming in and all the players you’ve watched and seen on TV were there, the players you look up to.
“When I first came in and Jonny Wilkinson stood up and shook my hand.
“He said ‘nice to meet you Manu’. I was like… ‘OK!’,” Tuilagi added with a wry smile.
‘Life is fun’
The World Cup in New Zealand was a disaster for England, losing to France in the quarter-finals, and Tuilagi was fined for jumping into Auckland harbour from a boat.
During the tournament he was handed another financial penalty for wearing a sponsored gumshield and had been banned in the domestic season for punching England team-mate Chris Ashton during a club game.
“Just enjoy yourself. You have the opportunity to enjoy yourself and play the game that you love,” Tuilagi recalled.
“That was good fun! Life is fun, if you want it to be,” he added while laughing.
This weekend, Tuilagi will be joined by a host of his France-based family members with one of his famous five rugby playing brothers Henry making the trip from Perpignan to the foothills of the Alps for the game.
Earlier in the Six Nations, Manu travelled to Marseille to support his nephew and Henry’s son Posolo on his France debut.
Manu and giant lock Posolo have been denied an on-field reunion with the 19-year-old missing out on selection.
They could however be playing together next season with Posolo’s Perpignan interested in signing Manu.
A potential move to Catalunya would end Manu’s England career for good but his focus for the here and now is a 60th appearance in the white shirt.
“Every game could be your last game, so you have got to make the most of it and enjoy it,” Manu said.
“I feel very blessed to be able to get back into the team.
“For me to be able to get this opportunity again – I love it,” he added.
