Some huge breaking news for rugby fans.
Manu Tuilagi wil not be a part of England’s 2015 World Cup, after pleading guilty to assaulting a police officer.
The Times’ Alex Lowe broke the news this afternoon on Twitter, before the RFU confirmed the would not be selecting him until January.
EXCLUSIVE: Manu Tuilagi will miss the World Cup after pleading guilty to assaulting a police officer. @TimesSport
— Alex Lowe 📰 (@AlexMLowe) May 15, 2015
Tuliagi this week pleased guilty to three charges of assault and one of criminal damage at Leicester magistrates. The RFU did not reveal when the incident took place.
He was ordered to pay the court a total of £6,205 in fines, compensation, charges and costs, and England coach Stuart Lancaster has said he will not be considered for selection until the new year.
“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,” said Lancster.
“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,” Lancaster added.
Tuilagi has also spoken of his remorse, saying he accepts all responsibility for the conviction.
“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.”
He hasn’t played for England in almost 12 months, and missed the Autumn internationals and Six Nations with a groin injury. There had been concerns that the player would not recover in time to make the tournament, but that now seems to be the least of his concerns.
Tuilagi is no stranger to off the field controversies. At the 2011 World Cup, the then 20-year-old was fined £3,000 and warned by police after jumping off a ferry in Auckland following England’s elimination from the tournament, while he was also forced into an embarrassing apology to Prmie Minister David Cameron, after making bunny ears behind his head while visiting Downing Street with the victorious 2013 Lions squad.
