Manu Tuilagi nearing return for Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers rugby director Richard Cockerill confirmed that England centre Manu Tuilagi is poised for a return to action in next "couple of weeks".

The 25-year-old's career has been marred with a series of injuries with the latest being the resurfacing of his long-standing groin problem during his club's Aviva Premiership opening game against Gloucester Rugby. He was seen warming up ahead of his side's 25-6 Aviva Premiership victory over Harlequins on Sunday.

"We are hoping within the next couple of weeks he will be in the 23. It would be nice would not it?

"You saw him before the game, he looks sharp. I am just waiting for the medics to say he is good to go."

If things go as per plan for Tuilagi, he will be playing his first game since his injury during the Aviva Premiership game against Bristol next Friday or during the encounter against Northampton Saints on 3rd December at Welford Road.

Tuilagi, who has been capped 26 times for England was initially named in the squad for the Australian tour earlier in the year but was later withdrawn after he sustained a hamstring injury while playing for Leicester Tigers.

Leicester Tigers are placed fourth in the Aviva Premiership table after winning five out of their eight games.