MANU TUILAGI's hopes of landing a contract at Racing 92 have been dealt a blow with French star Gael Fickou set to make the move across the French capital.
Stade Francais ace Fickou, 26, has agreed terms with Racing which is set to close the door on Tuilagi's hopes of securing a deal with them for next season.
The Sale Sharks, England and Lions centre, who is battling his way back to fitness after an Achilles tendon injury, had been linked with Racing and Toulon.
Fickou's signing will also allow Simon Zebo to return to Munster after three-years plying his trade at the Paris LaDéfense Arena. Tuilagi, who has taken up salsa dancing to aid his recovery from his Achilles injury, is expected back in action in eight weeks, after tearing the tendon against Northampton in September.
The 29-year-old could return for Sale's final Premiership games and the play-offs if they progress, and in turn earn a place on the Lions tour.
“Manu's walking and learning salsa,” said Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson.
“If you're doing salsa you can't be far off play- ing rugby.
“The salsa is for his ankle and a wife of one of the players is teaching him. He's good with his feet for a big guy.”
Tuilagi, who has played 43 times for England, has also been hiking in an attempt to return to full fitness after missing the Autumn Internationals and Six Nations with the injury.
Sanderson added: “I went for a 7.5km hike with him around Macclesfield Forest last Friday and he was on great form.
“We went up to the highest point of Macc Forest. He was climbing over boulders and it's really undulating terrain, that's why we took him there. He's got another hike this Friday that's 10km.
“It's about seven to eight weeks for him, maybe. Definitely he'll play again this season. It's good to see him up and about. He's a good lad so he's adding energy to the place.” Tuilagi joined Sale from Leicester Tigers in July 2020 and had made seven appear- ances before the injury.
