Manu Tuilagi: A player with bags of skill and talent for Leicester and England. But in his first World Cup, he has been in the limelight for more than his on field ability. The Samoan born centre's decision making has come into question over the last few months where he has been involved in a number of incidents.
We rewind back to the Aviva Premiership semi final clash where Leicester faced a glittering Northampton outfit. Leicester won on the day 11-3 but it was Tuilagi's discipline that was noticed more by pundits than the final score. A challenge on Chris Ashton, when the winger didn't have the ball would obviously spark a reaction from Ashton as he retaliated by pushing Tuilagi from behind. Tuilagi then needlessly punched Ashton in the face which then caused carnage between the pair, as they traded punches resulting in play being halted for the pair to finish their business. Tuilagi got away with only a yellow and Leicester went onto the Premiership Final. Of course this was dealt with as Tuilagi and Ashton reconciled and sorted out the issue.
With the World Cup only one month away, England coach Martin Johnson had decisions to make as to who would be on the plane to New Zealand. For their first warm up game they faced Wales at Twickenham as Johnson controversially named Tuilagi in the starting 15. Besides Tuilagi's scuffle with Ashton, he had had a stellar season for the Tigers and was rewarded for his efforts with a starting berth for the game. Tuilagi scored on his debut further enforcing his chances of a place on the plane to the World Cup. Johnson then gave the Samoan another chance to impress as they face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium for their last game before the tournament. Once again, he failed to disappoint as he scored his second try in a comfortable win against the Irish 20-9.
As the team was named, it was no surprise to see Tuilagi's name included in the team as his performances against both Wales and Ireland were superb. It looked as if England had uncovered a gem at the right time in Tuilagi as on paper, he looked to be their best centre. A quiet start to the tournament against Argentina saw him then explode onto the scene as he produced a sound display against minnows Georgia, scoring a try and forever looking menacing at the heart of England attacks. Along came Romania and a second try of the tournament further added to his credentials. So far so good, but then the turning point for the 20 year old.
A fine of £4,800 by Rugby World Cup officials for wearing a sponsored mouth guard in their win against Georgia was rather daft by Tuilagi as every player should know the rules of the game, even the sponsorship rules. A small offence, but one which should never have happened. Then the rumours of a change of scenery, as his brother Feriti 'Freddie' Tuilagi made his brother aware of an opportunity of a switch to Super 15. Manu came out and dismissed the rumours straight away, after the loyalty the Tigers have shown him it would be disappointing on his part to see him go although it looks like the story was just a heated rumour. If he had moved to the Southern Hemisphere I fear he may end up like Danny Cipriani. Out of the picture and a talent wasted.
Then Manu Tuilagi's biggest offence of all, as he is fined a second time after he stupidly jumps off a ferry in Auckland just 24 hours after England's World Cup campaign ended after a poor showing against France. Tuilagi was easily England's best player in that game however; this bizarre act by Tuilagi has only further angered fans back home as the team on the whole have been poorly disciplined and wreckless. Maybe Johnson needed to take a leaf out of England coaches of old who would keep them confined to their hotel rooms rather than let the World Cup tour look like a local teams tour.
Manu has waves of ability and potential to become super stars in their form of sport, but they are let down by their off field antics sometimes but he has came out to say he regrets the issues that occurred during the World Cup. As Tuilagi returns home yes we remember the problems that have happened but we can't forget Manu is a young man who will make mistakes as several of his England team mates have made. At the age of 20 he still has alot to develop so given time, he will keep improving not only on the pitch but also off it.
