Sale sign England international Manu Tualagi

Sale Sharks have announced the signing of England international Manu Tualagi. 

The 29-year-old, who has amassed 49 England caps and one cap for the British and Irish Lions, left Leicester Tigers early this month much to the delight of Sale. 

He left the Welford Road club after failing to agree to terms on a restructuring of his contract. Leicester asked a number of players to restructure their deals due to the financial pressures placed on the club due to Coronavirus. Kyle Eastmond, Telusa Veainu, Greg Bateman, and Noel Reid also left the club after failing to agree to new terms on an amended contract. 

The England international signed a new deal at Leicester last year amid interest from French side Racing 92 which would have taken him through the 2021 season. He was then linked with clubs in France after his release on July 1.

His switch to Sale means that he will still be eligible to play for England. His deal Sale will see him stay at the club through the 2020-21 season. 

"Manu will be a fantastic commercial and playing addition to our squad," said Sale boss Steve Diamond.

Tualagi’s departure ends his family’s 20-year association with the club.

Sale currently sit second in the Premiership and will resume their season against Harlequins on August 14.