Manu Tuilagi back at last for Leicester Tigers

England international Manu Tuilagi made his long-awaited comeback for Leicester Tigers on Saturday following more than a year out with a groin injury.

Tuilagi was named on the bench for the Tigers' Premiership home game against Northampton Saints and came on early in the second half for his first appearance since October 2014.

It remains to be seen whether the powerful centre has any chance of pushing for a place in England's squad for the Six Nations, which gets under way on February 6, given his lengthy period on the sidelines.

Yet his return to action is undoubtedly a significant boost for a Leicester side that claimed a dramatic 30-27 victory over the Saints courtesy of Freddie Burns' last-minute penalty.

"We have to be patient with Manu," said Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill after the match. "He needs to play games for Leicester Tigers."

Tuilagi signed a lucrative new contract with Leicester last month, having been the subject of rumoured interest from a host of rival clubs.