Manu Tuilagi is recognised as one of the most dangerous players in world rugby.
Having made his name in the 2010-11 season, Manu was selected for the 2011 World Cup squad and has since become a regular feature in the England set up.
Tuilagi spoke to Sports Mole ahead of what will be an important season for him in terms of Leicester, England and the British & Irish Lions.
Hi Manu. How have your pre-season preparations been going ahead of the new season?
"Pre-season's been going really well, I've been training really hard. Pre-season is the hardest part of rugby; at the minute I'm doing three fitness sessions a week, but I really enjoy it. You have to do it as it's all part of rugby but for me I'm just really looking forward to the games and getting started. I 'm just looking forward to playing with the boys again."
Leicester have added a few new faces over the summer, are you pleased with the new recruits?
"Definitely. We've signed some good players, guys like Adam Thompstone and Vereniki, the Fijian, hopefully he'll bring some magic to the side. I'm excited to see whats going to happen."
A few players have left over the summer too, including your brother Alesana, do you miss having him around?
"My brother's loving it in Japan. I speak to him now and then and he's enjoying it. One training session a day, 5pm starts, rest all day, he's enjoying it. I definitely miss having him at home. I miss having him on the pitch as well but I'm just really happy for him and his family because they're enjoying Japan."
And finally what are your targets for the season? Are you hoping to nail down a starting spot for the British and Irish Lions tour next Summer?
"My target is to keep fit and healthy and try to stay available for the selection. I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing, keep my head down and work hard."
Nik Simon
