Former England centre Manu Tuilagi will miss the start of the Top 14 season for new club Bayonne after breaking his hand.
Tuilagi, 33, brought his international career to an end by leaving Sale Sharks at the conclusion of the Premiership season.
The Samoa-born star had made 60 international appearances before moving to France, with RFU rules stating that players must be signed with a club in England to be considered for international selection.
Tuilagi has been ruled out for six to eight weeks with his injury, meaning he will miss Bayonne’s Top 14 opener against Perpignan on 7 September.
“Following the preparation match against Biarritz Olympique, some players are returning to the infirmary [hospital],” his club said.
“Manu Tuilagi, with a broken hand, will be out for between six and eight weeks.”
