Manu Tuilagi plays down Leicester Tigers departure rumour

Tuilagi started playing for Leicester in 2009

Manu Tuilagi has played down speculation he could leave Leicester Tigers, claiming he is "pretty lucky" to be playing at Welford Road.

England centre Tuilagi is involved in the World Cup and reports in New Zealand said he would be interested in playing in their Super 15 competition.

However, the 20-year-old says he is not contemplating moving clubs.

"I'm really happy at Leicester. I feel pretty lucky to be playing for Leicester and England," said Tuilagi.

"I'm not thinking too much about the future too much as right now I'm in the World Cup and it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Tuilagi is expected to be in the England side that plays Scotland on Saturday, knowing they could be eliminated from the competition if they lose by an eight-point margin.

However, he is confident in the ability of the England team and believes they could win the competition.

"It's a huge game and we need this win to get to the quarter-finals," added Tuilagi.

"Scotland are not going to be the same as if we were playing them in the Six Nations as they will come out firing after losing to Argentina. We just have to train well and focus.

"There's a good spirit in the team and we're looking forward to Saturday.

"If we perform on the day and believe in ourselves then we can do anything."