Manu Tuilagi Will Miss Rugby World Cup Following Assault Charges

Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi will not be selected by England for the upcoming 2015 Rugby World Cup following his conviction on assault charges, as reported on Friday by BBC Sport's Dan Roan:

England head coach Stuart Lancaster confirmed the news on England Rugby's official website, stating the 23-year-old will not be involved with the team until 2016:

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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.

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The incident in question took place several weeks ago and involved a police officer and a taxi driver, according to The Independent's Jack de Menezes. He also reports Tuilagi was aware he would miss the World Cup if the charges were turned into a conviction.  

The young star has already taken full responsibility for the incident, per PA Sport:

Tuilagi has been sidelined with a groin injury for several weeks, and his status for the upcoming World Cup was in doubt. While losing a player like Tuilagi will definitely hurt, the England head coach has never turned a blind eye toward discipline.

MailSport's Sam Peters feels for Lancaster:

Tuilagi's absence will hurt a young England squad hoping to make an impression at the World Cup after showing glimpses of greatness at the 2015 Six Nations. South Africa and New Zealand remain the favourites for the title, and they'll be glad to find out England have just lost one of their most talented players.

Tuilagi still has plenty of rugby ahead of him, and while he will surely be disappointed in himself and at missing the World Cup, the Leicester star could eventually make a return to the England setup.

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