sport news Manu Tuilagi dodges talk about his future ahead of France Six Nations clash ... trends now

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It was a technical fault that almost felt symbolic. As Manu Tuilagi delivered his final answer, in what may well be his final press conference, someone in the French stage crew accidently pushed the button to bring down the curtain.

'I think that's the cue for us,' said Tuilagi, with his toothy grin, having swerved questions about a move abroad next season. He sat side-by-side with scrum coach Tom Harrison but the media interest was all about whether this would be 60 and out for England's wrecking ball. It certainly seems that way.

Jamie George asked the 32-year-old to address the squad at Friday night's team meeting, sharing all of his experiences since making his Test debut back in 2011. A time for reflection. 'I remember when I first came in and Jonny Wilkinson stood up and shook my hand,' recalled Tuilagi. 'He said, 'Nice to meet you Manu' and I was like… "OK!" It was amazing.

'I remember being the youngest one there and s****ing myself. Coming in and meeting all the players you've seen on TV, the players you look up to. I was amazed I was in the same room. And for me, being in this team, being in the same room as these boys, I still feel the same.'

He laughed his way through questions about yesteryear. Remember jumping off the ferry in Auckland Harbour back in 2011? 'That was good fun! Life is fun, if you want it to be.' He discussed his role in the famous victory over the All Blacks the following year, when the bulk of today's squad were still schoolboys.