Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi has been allowed to play for his club this weekend as England head coach Eddie Jones released 11 players from the national squad.
The Samoan-born star had only returned to the England setup on Tuesday following a 15-month absence due to injury but has now been given permission to face Exeter on Sunday for the Tigers.
And following a frustrating spell on the sidelines for the 24-year-old, Tuilagi could finally make his return to the international scene in England’s vital clash against Wales on March 12 at Twickenham.
Alex Goode, Courtney Lawes and Jamie George are also notable absentees from the remaining squad of 22 retained as Jones looks to boost the fitness of the current fringe players.
Speaking to the BBC, England forwards coach Steve Borthwick said:
This is an opportunity for them to get back to their clubs, to play well, to get some more game time under their belts, and rejoin us ready for the next match.
Since last appearing for England in 2014, Tuilagi has struggled with injuries and off-field discipline and at one point feared that his playing days may be over:
When you’re out for a long time, it can get quite hard mentally.
I just kept thinking about when I was going to get back playing again. I kept thinking that there’s going to be light at the tunnel and it did come in the end – thank God.
However, Borthwick admitted he was glad to see Tuilagi focusing on his rugby and stated that the Tigers star is in good condition despite only recently recovering from injury:
It’s great to have him here. He’s done well in the short time he’s been back with us, and he’s certainly a player that will hopefully have an impact for this team.
Hopefully he’ll have another good game for his club side this weekend.
England players released for club matches:
Dave Ewers (Exeter Chiefs), Jamie George, Alex Goode (both Saracens), Paul Hill (Northampton Saints), Sam Hill (Exeter Chiefs), Matt Kvesic (Gloucester), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Matt Mullan (Wasps) Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath), Marland Yarde (Harlequins).
