England's veteran centre Manu Tuilagi will bring his international career to a close after the 2025 Six Nations, confirming he will switch allegiance to represent Samoa later that year.
The 33-year-old's decision, revealed by head coach Steve Borthwick, ends months of speculation about the powerhouse midfielder's future in the white shirt.
The End of an Era for England
Manu Tuilagi's final appearance for England will come during the 2025 Six Nations championship, marking the conclusion of a 13-year international career that began with his debut against Wales in 2011.
The Samoan-born player has been a cornerstone of England's midfield through multiple World Cup cycles, earning 59 caps and becoming known for his destructive ball-carrying and defensive physicality.
Borthwick confirmed the news while announcing his squad for the upcoming autumn internationals, stating he had held extensive conversations with Tuilagi about the player's international future.
Midfield Reshuffle for Borthwick
The England coach now faces the task of rebuilding his midfield options, with Joe Marchant recalled to the squad after his move to Paris-based Stade Français made him ineligible under the previous selection policy.
Borthwick's revised approach now allows him to pick players based abroad, opening the door for Marchant's return and providing additional midfield cover following Tuilagi's impending departure.
Other centre options in the 36-man squad include Ollie Lawrence, who has impressed for Bath, and the versatile Henry Slade, providing Borthwick with multiple combinations to test during the autumn fixtures.
Tuilagi's International Transition
Under World Rugby's revised eligibility laws, Tuilagi will be free to represent Samoa from July 2025, having completed the mandatory three-year stand-down period from international rugby.
The switch will see him follow in the footsteps of his older brothers Freddie, Henry, and Alesana, who all represented Samoa during their careers.
Tuilagi's decision comes as he approaches what will likely be the final phase of his professional career, with the opportunity to represent his nation of birth proving an irresistible draw.
His departure from the England setup marks the end of one of the most physically dominant midfield eras in recent English rugby history, leaving Borthwick with both a selection headache and an opportunity to build a new-look backline for the 2027 World Cup cycle.
