Manu Tuilagi to miss Rugby World Cup after assaulting police officer

England centre Manu Tuilagi will miss the World Cup after pleading guilty to assaulting a police officer.

Tuilagi has been fined £6,205 for two counts of assaulting a police officer, assault by beating, and causing criminal damage.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has spoken to Tuilagi and told the player he will not be selected for the World Cup training squad, which is due to be announced next Wednesday.

The Leicester player pleaded guilty to three charges of assault and one of criminal damage at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Thursday. The incident took place several weeks ago and involved Tuilagi clashing with a taxi driver and two female police officers.

England Rugby issued a joint statement with Tuilagi and his club Leicester.

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.

"England will continue to liaise with Leicester Tigers and have every confidence that the club will continue to support Manu in the right way.”

Leicester Tigers Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill said: “Manu knows and accepts his responsibilities and has received a significant punishment in being excluded from the England squad and the club will also take internal disciplinary action.

"While we do not in any way condone his actions in this case, Manu is a young man who has grown up in the public eye and he is a good professional in a top-level environment.

"He always gives his time very generously to supporters, particularly young ones, wherever he goes, and fully understands the role that the fans have played in his career. We will continue to work closely with him on his return to full fitness and look forward to his return to the field in due course.”

Tuilagi said: “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. I know as an England player the need to conduct myself as a good role model for the game.

"I am very disappointed because my actions have let so many people down and I can only hope for a future chance to prove myself again.”