Overview
- The 60-cap England centre has not played for the national side since March 2024, making him eligible to represent Samoa in 2027 under World Rugby’s three-year stand-down rule.
- Samoa’s qualification for the Australia tournament was secured with a 13-13 draw against Belgium in the final qualifying event.
- Tuilagi is contracted to Bayonne through the 2026–27 season, leaving him unavailable for England selection under the RFU policy on overseas-based players.
- He reiterated that interest alone would not drive a decision, saying he would only go to a World Cup to compete rather than attend for the occasion.
- Born in Samoa and part of a renowned rugby family, he meets eligibility criteria and has five brothers who previously played for the Pacific Island nation.