England have confirmed that centre Manu Tuilagi will not play in the World Cup later this year after he was convicted on three charges of assault and one of criminal damage.
At Leicester Magistrates' Court this week, the 23-year-old pleaded guilty to assaulting a police offer and was ordered to pay a total of £6,205 in fines.
As a result of his behaviour, the Leicester Tigers player will not be selected again by England head coach Stuart Lancaster until January 2016, which means that he will miss the highly-anticipated World Cup tournament on UK shores in September.
"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," Lancaster said in a statement.
"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's director of rugby Richard Cockerill added: "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 of his punishment: "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."
Tuilagi has been nursing injuries since October.
Danielle Joynson
