Rugby star Tuilagi fined for jumping off ferry
England centre Manu Tuilagi is fined £3,000 after jumping from a ferry in Auckland, adding to England’s controversy on their return home following defeat.
Mr Tuilagi jumped from a ferry as it was about to berth and was met by Auckland police after he swam to the pier.
He was detained at a nearby station and given a pre-charge warning for disorderly behaviour. Mr Tuilagi, 20, was reportedly returning from a day trip to Waiheke Island with his England team-mates on Sunday.
Mr Tuilagi apologised for his actions, saying: “I’m really sorry. It was a silly thing to do and I apologise to everybody for any inconvenience caused.” The fine will go towards the Rugby World Cup’s Christchurch earthquake appeal.
England manager Martin Johnson said: “This was an irresponsible thing to do. Manu has been disciplined internally and I have warned him about his future conduct.”
The incident comes less than a week after Mr Tuilagi was fined £4,800 by Rugby World Cup officials for wearing a branded mouth-guard and breaching the tournament’s strict commercial regulations.
It is just the latest in a string of controversy surrounding the rugby team. Two coaches were banned for illegally changing balls during England’s win against Romania.
England squad members’ conduct was also called into question after a night out drinking in Queenstown, when some players ended up watching a dwarf-racing competition and Mike Tindall was captured on CCTV in conversation with a former girlfriend.
Mr Johnson is expected to face tough questions over England’s performance and their conduct on their return to the UK.