'Criminal' Tuilagi out of World Cup
Manu Tuilagi will not be included in hosts England's World Cup squad, after being fined for assaulting a police officer, coach Stuart Lancaster said on Friday.
"England head coach Stuart Lancaster has spoken to Manu and informed him that – in the light of his conduct and subsequent conviction – he will not be considered for selection for England's elite playing squads until January 2016," a Rugby Football Union statement said.
Leicester Tigers centre Tuilagi pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates this week and was ordered to pay the court a total of £6,205 (US$9,797) in fines, compensation, charges and costs.
"I take full responsibility for my actions and unreservedly apologise to all those involved in the incident, Leicester Tigers and England," said Tuilagi.
"It is something I deeply regret and I totally accept the sentence given by the court."
The incident took place in the Midlands city of Leicester during the early hours of April 26.
He lashed out at 03:00am local time when he got into an alercation with a taxi driver, whom he grabbed by the throat before kicking the cab's wing mirror in Granby Street in the city centre.
Two female police officers arrived to arrest him, but as they tried to put handcuffs on him Tuilagi pushed the pair of them hard in the chest.
Leicester Tigers Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill said: "Manu knows and accepts his responsibilities and has received a significant punishment in being excluded from the England squad, and the club will also take internal disciplinary action."
Tuilagi has been sidelined since October with a groin injury but was expected to be fit enough to be considered for selection in England's squad for the World Cup, which starts in September.
RFU statement: "England Rugby and Leicester Tigers have taken action against Manu Tuilagi following his conviction on three charges of assault and one of criminal damage.
"Manu pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates this week and was ordered to pay the court a total of £6,205 in fines, compensation, charges and costs.
"England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has spoken to Manu and informed him that, in the light of his conduct and subsequent conviction, he will not be considered for selection for England's Elite Playing Squads until January 2016.
"Lancaster said: 'As role models and ambassadors for the game, the highest standards of behaviour are expected from every England player both on and off the field. Having spoken to Manu, he understands and accepts both the seriousness of the offences to which he has pleaded guilty and the consequences of his behaviour to his club, country and the game as a whole. England will continue to liaise with Leicester Tigers and have every confidence that the club will continue to support Manu in the right way.'
"Leicester Tigers Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill said: 'Manu knows and accepts his responsibilities and has received a significant punishment in being excluded from the England squad and the club will also take internal disciplinary action. While we do not in any way condone his actions in this case, Manu is a young man who has grown up in the public eye and he is a good professional in a top-level environment. He always gives his time very generously to supporters, particularly young ones, wherever he goes, and fully understands the role that the fans have played in his career. We will continue to work closely with him on his return to full fitness and look forward to his return to the field in due course.'
"Manu Tuilagi said: 'I take full responsibility for my actions and unreservedly apologise to all those involved in the incident, Leicester Tigers and England. It is something I deeply regret and I totally accept the sentence given by the court. The club and Stuart have been very supportive and I understand their sanctions too. I know as an England player the need to conduct myself as a good role model for the game. I am very disappointed because my actions have let so many people down and I can only hope for a future chance to prove myself again'."
