Dopo l’infortunio, l’aggressione: niente RWC per Manu Tuilagi

ph. Sebastiano Pessina

La presenza del centro dei Tigers di leicester alla rassegna iridata che scatta a settembre era da tempo in dubbio per via dei guai fisici che gli hanno impedito di scendere in campo praticamente per l’intera stagione. Ora però arriva un’altra mazzata per il giocatore, che di sportivo però non ha nulla: il trequarti  si è reso protagonista di un’aggressione ad un agente di polizia avvenuta all’alba di domenica mattina nella Granby Street area di Leicester. A darne notizia è il giornalista del Times Alex Lows attraverso il suo profilo twitter, notizia subito rilanciata da tutti i più importanti media britannici.

Tuilagi è stato riconosciuto colpevole in settimana al tribunale di Leicester, condannato a pagare una multa di 6.205 sterline. Il ct Stuart Lancaster ha già comunicato al giocatore la decisione di non convocarlo per il Mondiale per la sua condotta. Anche i Tigers prenderanno provvedimenti che verranno annunciati in seguito.
Alle ore 17 italiane la RFU e il Leicester Tigers hanno diramato un comunicato congiunto. Eccolo:

England Rugby and Leicester Tigers have taken action against Manu Tuilagi following his conviction on three charges of assault and one of criminal damage.

Tuilagi pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates this week and was ordered to pay the court a total of £6,205 in fines, compensation, charges and costs.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has spoken to Tuilagi and informed him that, in the light of his conduct and subsequent conviction, he will not be considered for selection for England’s Elite Playing Squads until January 2016.

“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.”

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.”

Manu 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.”