Manu Tuilagi to miss World Cup after assaulting police officer

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

England coach Stuart Lancaster reportedly told the 23-year-old that he would not be considered for selection if he was found guilty of the charge, so the player's admission to three charges of assault and one of criminal damages rules him out of the tournament which starts on September 18.

"England coach Stuart Lancaster has spoken to Manu 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," a joint statement said.

Tuilagi, who has not played for England since the Test defeat to New Zealand in Hamilton in June 2014, was said to be involved in the incident several weeks ago with reports claiming that he clashed with a taxi driver and then a police offer.

Tuilagi's absence at the tournament will hamper Lancaster's chances of winning the William Webb Ellis trophy as he is widely regarded as one of the most explosive and destructive players in world rugby.

Of the news, Tuilagi said: "I take full responsibility for my actions and unreservedly apologise to all those involved in the incident, Leicester Tigers and England."

source:eurosport