Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi has claimed that he has "grown up" since his controversial antics in New Zealand during England's failed World Cup campaign last year.

The 20-year-old came under fire when he jumped off a ferry into the Auckland Harbour just 24 hours after England were dumped out of the elite tournament at the quarter-final stage.

"When you wear the Red Rose you go out and represent everyone in the country. That has been clarified," said Tuilagi. "That comes from the experiences I had in New Zealand. After that you learn and change things.

"I've grown up fast in this environment. I feel I've learned a lot and with that experience I've grown up as a person as well as a player.

"I didn't realise before how much attention and scrutiny you get on you as an England rugby player. I realise it now. I realise I've got to make better decisions in future."

Tuilagi is preparing for a return to action after recovering from a shattered eye-socket as well as a hamstring injury.