If he does request – and secure – a release from his French deal, it would likely mean he would be available for the 2026 season. He has a one-year deal with a one-year option on top of it at Racing 92. However, in the event that he leaves French rugby before June 30, the door would be open for him to become a free agent and return to the NRL this season. Complicating the situation at Racing 92 is the fact that Manu signed the deal when Stuart Lancaster was the coach. Lancaster has since left the club. Racing 92 are also fighting to avoid relegation and sit in 11th position on the ladder, with the bottom two teams of the 14-team competition to be relegated at season’s end.