Leicester Tigers have vowed to fight a decision that could see teenager Manu Tuilagi deported.
England hopeful has visa application turned down
Leicester Tigers have vowed to fight a decision that could see teenager Manu Tuilagi deported.
The Samoan-born 19-year-old is the sixth of the Tuilagi brothers to come through the ranks at Welford Road - following in the footsteps of Freddie, Henry, Andy, Alesana and Vavae.
However, despite being educated at John Cleveland College in Hinckley and having represented England Under-18s, Tuilagi has had had his request for a work permit turned down by the Home Office.
The Tigers have now promised to support the young centre in every way they can - particularly as Tuilagi - who has been tipped to go on to be capped by England - received the backing of the RFU to stay.
And Leicester head of operations Simon Cohen believes Tuilagi's application had not received the special consideration it required from the Home Office.
"First of all, he is effectively English. His schooling and his friends are all here," he told the
Leicester Mercury.
"Secondly, he is clearly going to be an outstanding rugby player and, if he stays in the country, he will pay taxes in excess of £10,000-a-year into the economy for several years.
"Finally, he is an outstanding national asset."
