Manu Tuilagi is staying at Leicester Tigers after snubbing Parisian fortune

England centre Manu Tuilagi has committed his future to Leicester Tigers by signing a new contract, ending speculation he would make a move to the Top 14 with Racing 92.

Tuilagi’s future at club level seemed to be in France, after reports emerged suggesting he had agreed a lucrative deal to leave Welford Road.

Leicester head coach Geordan Murphy acknowledged his side were facing a major battle to keep Tuilagi last month, and England head coach Eddie Jones also hinted at a move to Racing being close.

However, the Tigers have been able to convince Tuilagi to remain at the club, the 27-year-old signing a new deal on Wednesday.

“This is a massive club and it means a lot to me and my family,” said the 27-year-old Tuilagi.

“I love the club and I want to repay the loyalty they have shown me in my time here. We are all behind Geordan Murphy and his ambitions for the team, and I’m very passionate about playing my part in bringing back the success we all expect at such a massive club.

“This was a big decision for me to make but I am very happy to be able to stay here, I have a lot of friends here, my family is happy here and the club means a lot to me.”

After a breakthrough season in 2010/11 when he was named Young Player of the Year by Tigers supporters, club colleagues and the Rugby Players Association, Tuilagi won a first Premiership title in 2012/13, scoring a try in the Final win against Northampton Saints.

He has 31 senior caps with England and gained selection for the Lions in Australia in 2013.

Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy said: “Manu is a world-class player with a real X-factor about his game and anyone would want him in their team. He’s been here a long time, his heart is here and we’re all delighted that he wants to stay with the club.

“He is at his physical peak as a player at 27, he is a leader within the squad and we look forward to seeing many more big performances from him in a Tigers shirt.”