AXED FOR BOOZING

Tuilagi and Solomona kicked out by England

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MANU TUILAGI’S international career is hanging by a thread after being sent home in disgrace from England’s training camp yesterday.

Leicester centre Tuilagi and Sale winger Denny Solomona allegedly came back to the team hotel in Teddington drunk on Sunday night, causing coach Eddie Jones to kick them out of the camp.

England do not operate a curfew but Jones is livid with the duo.

Last week the Aussie coach praised Tuilagi, but he must now decide whether to impose further punishment, starting with the autumn Tests against Argentina, Australia and Samoa.

Tuilagi was included in the 37-man training squad after four injury-blighted years.

The powerful 26-year-old has played only 17 minutes of Test rugby since Jones took charge in December 2015.

His last start at Twickenham was over four years ago, in a career ravaged by serious knee and groin problems plus a long charge sheet.

Tuilagi was convicted of assaulting two police officers in Leicester in 2015. He was also banned for five weeks for punching England team-mate Chris Ashton and made bunny ears behind then prime minister David Cameron.

Last week Jones said: “We’re confident he’s moving in the right direction, but he’s still a hell of a long way away from playing Test rugby.

“The more he works hard and diligently, the more chance he has of playing. It’s nice to see him back training and back into it.

“He was a player that demolished New Zealand and we need those kinds of players.”

Leicester coach Matt O’Connor had expected Tuilagi to be fit to start of their Premiership campaign.

He said: “This is particularly disappointing because Manu has worked so hard to get back to fitness after longterm injury and to get back into the England squad.

“This matter has been dealt with by the RFU and we will talk to Manu on his return to the club.”