Manu Tuilagi agrees Bayonne move and brings England career to a close

• Veteran centre lands two-year deal with Top 14 side
• Steve Borthwick had wanted 32-year-old to remain eligible

Manu Tuilagi has agreed to join ­Bayonne on a two-year deal in the summer, bringing an end to his England career. The 32-year-old made his swansong appearance off the bench against France last Saturday and is set to make himself ineligible for England by joining the Top 14 side.

A host of clubs were interested in Tuilagi’s signature but it is believed that, following the conclusion of the Six Nations, the centre visited ­Bayonne on Monday to undergo a medical. Provided he passes all the necessary checks he will join the club ninth in the Top 14.

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