A surprise twist has emerged for England's Rugby World Cup preparations with Manu Tuilagi hinting at a potential switch to Samoa. The 34-year-old, who has been a stalwart in the English midfield for over a decade, could find himself facing off against Steve Borthwick's team in Australia next year.
Under new eligibility rules introduced last year, Tuilagi would qualify for Samoa in 2027, and he hasn't ruled out representing his Pacific Island nation. When asked about the possibility of playing at the World Cup, Tuilagi said: "It's different between being interested and being able to compete. I've got to make sure I can perform."
Tuilagi's comments come as a boost for Borthwick, who is looking ahead to England's campaign in the tournament with his team on a 11-match unbeaten run. The manager has also been boosted by news that Joe Marchant will be returning to international duty next season.
The 29-year-old centre was set to join Sale from Stade Français, and he has signed a long-term deal from 2026-27, making him eligible again for England duties. For Borthwick, the signing is a welcome addition to his squad, and Marchant's return will be a significant boost ahead of their Six Nations campaign against Wales next month.
However, Tom Roebuck's injury setback could provide an opportunity for Marchant to make his mark in the English team. The Sale wing broke a toe bone in England's win over New Zealand but is hoping to be fit for the tournament with eight to 10 weeks on the sidelines.
Under new eligibility rules introduced last year, Tuilagi would qualify for Samoa in 2027, and he hasn't ruled out representing his Pacific Island nation. When asked about the possibility of playing at the World Cup, Tuilagi said: "It's different between being interested and being able to compete. I've got to make sure I can perform."
Tuilagi's comments come as a boost for Borthwick, who is looking ahead to England's campaign in the tournament with his team on a 11-match unbeaten run. The manager has also been boosted by news that Joe Marchant will be returning to international duty next season.
The 29-year-old centre was set to join Sale from Stade Français, and he has signed a long-term deal from 2026-27, making him eligible again for England duties. For Borthwick, the signing is a welcome addition to his squad, and Marchant's return will be a significant boost ahead of their Six Nations campaign against Wales next month.
However, Tom Roebuck's injury setback could provide an opportunity for Marchant to make his mark in the English team. The Sale wing broke a toe bone in England's win over New Zealand but is hoping to be fit for the tournament with eight to 10 weeks on the sidelines.
So, Manu Tuilagi wants to switch to Samoa now? Like, just because you're from the Pacific Islands, you gotta rep your 'homeland'? 
It's not like he's been playing for England for over a decade or anything... 
Anyway, I guess it's good news for Steve Borthwick if Tuilagi does decide to join up with Samoa. The English midfield could use a bit of fresh air, right? 
And omg, 11-match unbeaten run? Sounds about right for England... until they face off against some actual competition 
it'll be awesome to see him competing against england in australia next year! but honestly, i'm kinda stoked for joe marchant too. 11-match unbeaten run is insane and having him back on the squad will give borthwick's team a major boost. let's keep fingers crossed that tom roebuck gets fit soon tho... gotta be worried about injuries in big tournaments 
Tuilagi's gonna represent Samoa? Tough pill to swallow for England fans, mate 
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️! But, at the same time, I feel bad for Steve Borthwick and his team... they've been on an 11-match unbeaten run and just got that boost with Joe Marchant returning 
. And now this injury setback to Tom Roebuck might be a blessing in disguise? Marchant's gonna bring some freshness to the squad, maybe? 
... what do you guys think? Should Manu Tuilagi really give Samoa a shot or should he stick with England? 
. But you know what? If he's genuinely interested in playing for Samoa, who can blame him? 
The Pacific Islander community has been craving some representation on the World Cup stage for ages. Plus, it'd be a sick story if he ended up facing off against England at the tournament 
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I don't really understand how that works. Anyway, if he does decide to play for Samoa, that would be super weird since we're all about unity and sportsmanship, right? 
But at the same time, if he's good enough, who cares where he plays? 
Let's just hope Tom Roebuck gets better soon so England can focus on their Rugby World Cup prep 
Tuilagi could switch to Samoa and face off against england at the Rugby World Cup?! that would be lit 
... it'll be interesting to see how borthwick's team adjusts with this new dynamic coming in 
England's midfield has been strong with him around, so if he does decide to switch, it'll be interesting to see how the team adapts. Maybe Joe Marchant's return will help fill the gap? 
. And what about the timing? He just happens to become eligible for Samoa in 2027, right around the time England's World Cup campaign is over... seems suspiciously convenient 
On the other hand, Joe Marchant's return to international duty is a big plus for England - I'm sure they'll need all the help they can get with Tom Roebuck's injury setback... 
! As a rugby fan, it's like you never know what's gonna happen next. I mean, Tuilagi's been part of England's midfield for ages, but if he does switch, it could be game-changer for the Samoan team, ya know? And can we talk about how exciting it is that Joe Marchant is coming back to the squad? 
but at the same time joe marchant's return is super exciting for the squad and i hope he can make an impact now that he's back in form 
hoping to be fit on time for the tournament would be a huge boost but fingers crossed it all works out