England international Manu Tuilagi has completed his switch from Leicester Tigers to Gallagher Premiership rivals Sale Sharks.
The 29-year-old will keep his England career alive by staying on home soil, after agreeing a deal with Sale that runs until the end of the 2020/2021 campaign.
The 43-cap England centre was a free agent after rejecting a 25 per cent pay cut and leaving Leicester, the club he joined as a teenager.
Tuilagi will now be available for Sale’s push towards the play-offs when the current Premiership season resumes next month after the coronavirus shutdown.
The Sharks sit second place in the league standings, and British and Irish Lions powerhouse Tuilagi’s addition will prove a real coup for rugby director Steve Diamond’s side.
“We contacted Manu’s agent and Leicester Tigers last week to discuss the player’s current position,” said Diamond.
“After discussions on Friday, all parties – Leicester Tigers, Manu Tuilagi and Sale Sharks – agreed that the player was a free agent and was able to enter into negotiations with another club.
“Manu will be a fantastic commercial and playing addition to our squad and I am looking forward to seeing him join up with the lads at Carrington this week.”
