Manu Tuilagi: Former England centre’s Bayonne debut postponed by broken hand

Former England striker Manu Tuilagi will miss the start of the Top 14 season for his new club Bayonne with a broken hand.

The 33-year-old Tuilagi ended his international career by leaving Sale Sharks at the end of the Premiership season.

The Samoan-born star made 60 international appearances before moving to France. RFU rules state that players must play for an English club to be eligible for international selection.

Tuilagi is out for six to eight weeks with his injury, meaning he will miss Bayonne’s season opener against Perpignan on September 7.

“After the pre-season match against Biarritz Olympique, a number of players will return to the infirmary,” his club said.

“Manu Tuilagi is out for six to eight weeks with a broken hand.”