Former England international Manu Tuilagi suffered an injury setback ahead of the Top 14 season after breaking his hand in a pre-season game.
The 33-year-old decided to leave the Premiership at the end of the season as he signed a contract with Bayonne, ending his Test career with the Red Roses.
Tuilagi played 60 times for England, but due to the country’s foreign policy, the powerful centre made himself ineligible after agreeing to a move to the French team.
Broken hand
However, he will have to wait to play in the Top 14 for Bayonne as the star will be out for a long time due to his injury. Bayonne expect Tuilagi’s recovery to take between six and eight weeks.
This is the latest injury in the player’s long list of frustrating careers.
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“After the warm-up match against Biarritz Olympique, some players are returning to the infirmary (hospital),” said a statement from Bayonne after the 42-5 victory.
“Manu Tuilagi will be out for between six and eight weeks due to a broken hand.
“Of course, we wish all players who are currently unavailable a good and speedy recovery.”
Bayonne will begin its Top 14 campaign on Saturday 7 September against Perpignan, but the injury means the Lions tourist’s debut may be delayed until October.
Tuilagi left his former club Sale Sharks after their Premiership play-off defeat to Bath in June and decided to make the financially lucrative move to France.
Bayonne, who also signed former Northampton Saints striker Alex Moon, finished last season in 12th place, one place above the relegation play-off spot.
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