Tuilagi axed for World Cup after assault
MANU TUILAGI has been kicked out of England’s World Cup plans in disgrace after being convicted of assaulting two female police officers and a taxi driver. The 23-year-old centre has been axed from the national squad until next year as punishment for an ugly episode in Leicester last month. Tuilagi was involved in an altercation at 3am on April 26, when he grabbed a taxi driver by the throat and kicked the car’s wing mirror. When two female officers attended the scene, it is understood that Tuilagi pushed them hard in the chest as they attempted to handcuff him. He was subsequently charged and on Thursday pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates Court to three counts of assault and one of criminal damage. He was ordered to pay £6,205 in fines, compensation and costs. The rugby repercussions have been swift and profound. England head coach Stuart Lancaster has dropped Tuilagi from his squad until January, in keeping with his zerotolerance attitude regarding off-field misdemeanours. Explaining his decision to banish Tuilagi, 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.’ Leicester’s director of rugby, Richard Cockerill, added: ‘Manu knows and accepts his responsibilities and has received a significant punishment in being excluded from the England squad. The club will also take internal disciplinary action. While we do not in any way condone his actions, Manu is a young man who has grown up in the public eye and is a good professional.’ Responding to the news of his conviction in a prepared statement, Tuilagi said: ‘I take full responsibility for my actions and unreservedly apologise to all those involved in the incident, Leicester and England. It is something I deeply regret and I totally accept the sentence given by the court.’