MANU D-DAY OVER ‘SOFT’ CHALLENGE

RUGBY UNION

MANU TUILAGI will find out today whether his latest return to rugby is as short-lived as his last.

The England centre has been cited for an alleged ‘dangerous tackle’ on Munster flanker Chris Cloete in his first game back from injury. The low entry point for such an offence is two weeks, extending to up to a year in the most extreme cases.

The challenge by Tuilagi (above), whose previous return from injury also lasted only one game, is at the low end. But many feel he should not have a case to answer.

Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll tweeted: “I think the game has gone soft if we’re picking up on marginal collisions like the Manu Tuilagi tackle he’s been cited for.”

Wales great Jonathan Davies (right) added: “We all agree players safety is paramount but it’s getting a bit ridiculous. Contact sport.”

Tuilagi is no stranger to disciplinary issues, having been convicted of assaulting two female police officers in 2015 and sent home from England’s training camp in August after a late-night drinking session.

Fellow England stars Elliot Daly and Nathan Hughes emerged as Six Nations doubts due to ligament damage suffered in Wasps’ win over La Rochelle.

Team boss Dai Young described Daly’s ankle injury as “significant” while Hughes, like Jimmy Gopperth, has knee damage.

Young added: “We can safely say all of them are ruled out for a month. It could be as much as 12 weeks if they have an operation.”