Tuilagi brothers arrested in street brawl

Anitelea Tuilagi and two of his brothers have been charged following an alleged assault on veteran wing Brian Lima, according to Samoan media reports.

The Samoan Observer reported that Anitelea and his brother Vavae Tuilagi were held in police custody after their arrest earlier this week.

Olotuli Tuilagi, more popularly known as Julie, had been charged with uttering insulting words towards police.

Lima – the only player to play in five Rugby World Cups – suffered a split lip and minor injury, according to the paper.

Assistant Police Commissioner, Le’aupepe Fatu Pula confirmed that the two brothers, Anitelea and Vavae, were arrested and charged for assault following an incident last Thursday.

Pula declined to give details about what led to the alleged assault, saying it was a personal matter and that the police were investigating.

The Tuilagi brothers, however, were held in police custody overnight.

“The brothers were under the influence of alcohol,” said the Assistant Commissioner.

It is not known when the Tuilagi brothers will appear in Court.

In his glory days Lima earned the memorable nickname of ‘The Chiropractor’ for his shuddering hits in defence that supposedly rearrange the bones of the victim. He is regarded as the best Samoan Rugby Union player of all time.

Lima made his debut for Manu Samoa back in 1990 and featured in the famous World Cup win over Wales in 1991. He was the youngest player at the 1991 World Cup.

The Tuilagi brothers, on the other hand, are part of the famous Tuilagi dynasty, which include Lauaki Freddie, Henry and Alesana – who have played for Manu Samoa – and Manu Tuilagi, who is currently playing for England.

Anitelea Tuilagi has also represented Samoa for a number of seasons.

Vavae, meanwhile, played for the Samoan National Under-20 team in the 2008 IRB Junior World Championships. He also represented Savaii Samoa in the recent 2010 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup.