England’s Samoan-born wrecking ball Manu Tuilagi is keen to extend his international career with head coach Steve Borthwick facing a dilemma as he looks to usher in a new era of Red Roses

• Manu Tuilagi hinted at retirement back in 2019 but was still crucial this year
• England lost a primary competitor after Joe Marchant joined Stade Francais 
• KOLISI MEETS BIGGAR: Boks skipper opens up on suffering childhood hunger 

Manu Tuilagi is keen to extend his England career, as head coach Steve Borthwick faces a dilemma about whether to involve a raft of Red Rose veterans in a new era for the national team.

At the World Cup back in 2019, the Anglo-Samoan wrecking ball suggested that he was unlikely to feature at another global showpiece, only to end up at the heart of England’s plans again in the recent tournament in France. 

Now, Mail Sport understands that, at the age of 32, the Sale centre intends to keep pushing for Test selection, in the next Six Nations and beyond.

With Joe Marchant playing for Stade Francais in Paris, England have lost a primary midfield contender, while Henry Slade was overlooked for the World Cup – although he is in vintage form for Exeter so far this season. 

Ollie Lawrence has returned to carving up the Premiership in the colours of Bath and Leicester’s Dan Kelly is highly-regarded by Borthwick, but there are not so many pedigree young centres knocking on the door that Tuilagi can be phased out if he remains committed.

Mail Sport understands that Manu Tuilagi is ken to continue his England career at the age of 32

Steve Borthwick now faces a dilemma as he looks to bring in a new era of England stars

The same can be said for others in the 30-something contingent, who appear willing to play on for their country. While Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs and Jonny May all announced their retirement from Test rugby in the closing stages of the World Cup, an assumption that at least two experienced colleagues would be joining them in stepping down is now in significant doubt.

Danny Care, now 36, made his feelings clear when he said: ‘I’m not retiring. I’m still going to try to play’ and Mail Sport understands that his fellow Harlequin, prop Joe Marler, is also inclined to continue his international career, if he is selected again. 

That appears highly likely, given the way he acquitted himself against the mighty Springbok pack in Paris, in the thunderous semi-final encounter last month.

The same can be said for Dan Cole and, as yet, the 36-year-old Tiger has not hinted at retirement. When Marler and Cole joined Lawes, Youngs and May in emerging for a last training session ahead of their England team-mates at the World Cup, it was interpreted as a sign that all five were in farewell mode, but perhaps not, after all.

Of the others in the 30+ category, Owen Farrell is going nowhere – at least for the time being, despite all the persistent rumours about a code switch to play league for Wigan. That scenario may come to pass in time, but for now the captain for club and country is being retained as Saracens’ sole marquee player and he is as driven and focused as ever.

Jamie George appears resolute in his on-going commitment, despite turning 33 last month, but there will be close scrutiny of whether Billy Vunipola remains part of Borthwick’s plans – whether through his own choice or the coach’s. 

The No 8 endured a tough, frustrating campaign in France and is 31. It was a similar story for Kyle Sinckler, who is now 30. Two other veteran backs should still have plenty of scope to play on for some time yet; George Ford (30) and Elliot Daly (31).

Courtney Lawes announced his reitrement from international duty from the end of the World Cup

Captain Owen Farrell is going nowhere despite the persistent rumours of a code-switch

At 31 and 30 respectively, Elliot Daly (left) and George Ford (second right) should still continue for some time

Source: Read Full Article