England star apologetic of actions
England centre Manu Tuilagi has revealed that he is ready to make amends on the pitch, after making headlines following his actions during the World Cup. Although Tuliagi was able to produce some impressive match-day performances, the tournament turned out to be an expensive one for him.
The 20-year-old was fined twice during the tournament, after wearing a branded gum shield, and then having to pay £3,000 after jumping from a ferry into the harbour in Auckland.
Following this, Tuilagi was warned by both the police and the RFU; however disciplinary actions could be taken further as an investigation into player misconduct at the World Cup is currently being investigated.
But Tuilagi has said that he is now determined to knuckle down and work hard for his club Leicester.
He told the Mail on Sunday: “It was such a stupid thing to do, wasn’t it?
“I’ve let down my family, I’ve let down Martin Johnson (England manager) and I’ve let down the people of England. I didn’t mean to offend anyone.
“I didn’t kill anyone, I just took a swim. It was a lot worse because it was the day after losing to France and it was at the end of a tournament in which too much focus had been on what the players had been up to off the field.” Tuilagi continued
“I thought I had a decent World Cup on the field but people will be talking about my swim more than my play and, for that reason, I am very disappointed with myself.
He then added “It’s only really since I’ve returned to England and left the World Cup bubble that I’ve realised people are not too happy with us because of how we played and how we behaved.
“I’ve already had a long, hard think about how I’ve conducted myself and, of course, all my brothers have been talking to me, too. I’m going to have to learn quickly but I will.
“And from now on, I want most of my talking to be done on the rugby pitch.”
