Rugby World Cup: Lam would 'love' to bring Tuilagi to Auckland

Alesana Tuilagi of Samoa rounds Eugene Jantjies of Namibia to score. Photo / Getty Images

Blues coach Pat Lam says he would love to bring Samoan powerhouse Alesana Tuilagi to the Auckland franchise.

But he knows there is little chance of luring the flying winger from the Leicester Tigers.

"We'd love to have someone like that but [the Tuilagi brothers] are pretty much an institution at Leicester Tigers. They're pretty comfortable up there," Lam told Radio Sport.

Tuilagi was in prolific form against Namibia in Rotoru yesterday, scoring three tries in Samoa's 49-12 victory.

He plies his trade in Leicester alongside brother Manu, who is representing England at the Rugby World Cup.

Fereti Tuilagi was the first of the family to play for the Tigers, joining the side in 2000. Three years later, younger brother Henry signed for the club, followed by Alesana.

"Freddy was a sensation over at Leicester [after the 1991 and 1995 World Cups] and he said 'well I've got a few more brothers if you want them.' Young Manu was only 12 or 13 when he went over there," Lam said.

There are seven brothers in the Tuilagi family from the Samoan village of Fatausi-Fogapoa - six of them are rugby players.

Lam said Pacific Island players are often unwanted by New Zealand if they are unavailable to play for the All Blacks. But in the UK, the Tuilagis have "superstar status".

"Professional rugby has been great for the Samoan players. It's difficult to get them all together, except for World Cups."

- Herald Online