RUGBY fans are in with a chance of meeting England star Manu Tuilagi during a special fundraising event next month.

The Butterwick Hospice has organised a sportsman's dinner on the opening day of this year's rugby World Cup, which is being staged in England and Wales.

And Tuilagi, a controversial centre who will not be involved in the tournament following a criminal conviction, is the guest speaker at the rugby-themed event, which is being held at Hardwick Hall on Friday September 18.

Snooker legend Willie Thorne will host the fundraiser as guests will watch the opening ceremony followed by the England-Fiji game.

Hospice chief executive Graham Leggatt-Chidgey said: "Getting Manu to headline this event is a major coup for us and we're delighted he's agreed to join us.

"It's not only an evening to celebrate the opening of the rugby World Cup, it's also a very important fundraising event for the charity, so getting a high-profile speaker was crucial.

"Manu is such a highly-rated player for the future, so we're sure tickets will prove to be in high demand."

Although he's banned from this year's tournament for off-the-field issues, the Butterwick Hospice hope Tuilagi will be a big draw to rugby fans.

The charity's fundraising team leader Clair McGregor added: "Manu is a controversial character but he's one of the brightest young prospects in world rugby today, so to have him as our guest speaker for our special rugby World Cup dinner should be a really big attraction to all rugby fans."

A three-course meal will then be followed by a Q&A with the 24-year-old Leicester Tigers centre as well as an auction and raffle.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 7pm, cost £49 per person or £99 for the VIP packages, and are available from the Butterwick Hospice on 01642-628930.