Gone.

Leicester Tigers have confirmed this morning that England international centre Manu Tuilagi has left the club and is now a free agent following failed contract talks with the club last week.

The club asked all players to take a further pay cut last week to help ease the financial strain they are facing in the wake of the current crisis but a number of them have decided to part company instead.

Greg Bateman, Kyle Eastmond, Noel Reid and Telusa Veainu have also had their contracts terminated with Veainu signing for Stade Francais earlier this week.

Jordan Taufua meanwhile has been granted extra time to make a decision on his future after being stuck in quarantine.

“Leicester Tigers can confirm that the employment of each of Greg Bateman, Kyle Eastmond, Noel Reid and Manu Tuilagi, as well as Telusa Veainu, who signed with French club Stade Francais earlier this week, has now ended and they will no longer be playing for the club,” a statement read.

“The five players were stood down last week after being unable to reach a necessary, amended agreement with the club on their pay, of which all other contracted members of the squad for the period from July 1, 2020, agreed to due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Leicester Tigers.

“Jordan Taufua, who was afforded an extended period of consultation after being quarantined following his return to Leicester from New Zealand, is still in conversations with the club.

“In line with club policy and out of respect to Taufua regarding this confidential matter, Tigers will not comment on these ongoing discussions.”