England’s Manu Tuilagi to miss World Cup after admitting assault on police officers

England centre Manu Tuilagi will miss the World Cup after pleading guilty to two counts of assaulting a police officer, head coach Stuart Lancaster said late on Friday.

The 23-year-old Leicester centre was on Thursday ordered by the city’s magistrates court to pay a total of £6,205 ($9,797) in fines, compensation, charges and costs.

A day later Lancaster announced that Tuilagi, who has scored 11 tries in 25 tests for England, would not be considered for national selection until January next year.

“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 joint statement issued by the Rugby Football Union, Leicester Tigers and Tuilagi himself.

“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.”

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