IF LAST YEAR’S FIFA World Cup taught us anything, it’s that international sporting bodies really don’t like players or fans interfering with their pristine advertising set-pieces.
Further proof was offered today, when it emerged that the International Rugby Board (IRB) had issued a $10,000 fine to Samoan wing Alesana Tuilagi for wearing an inappropriately branded mouthguard during Sunday’s Pacific derby with Fiji in Auckland.
New Zealander and pundit John Campbell captured the mood of many when he weighed in on Twitter.
And Tuilagi’s teammate Eliota Sapolu, who, you may recall, was sanctioned earlier in the tournament for his hyperbolic criticism of the IRB’s scheduling policy, wasn’t slow to join the chorus, either.
It is as yet unclear whether Tuilagi has legitimate grounds on which to challenge the imposition of the fine.
Tuilagi slapped with $10,000 fine for wearing the wrong gumshield?
IF LAST YEAR’S FIFA World Cup taught us anything, it’s that international sporting bodies really don’t like players or fans interfering with their pristine advertising set-pieces.
Further proof was offered today, when it emerged that the International Rugby Board (IRB) had issued a $10,000 fine to Samoan wing Alesana Tuilagi for wearing an inappropriately branded mouthguard during Sunday’s Pacific derby with Fiji in Auckland.
Given its coincidence with the announcement of the one-game suspension meted out to England coaches Dave Alred and Paul Stridgeon, news of Tuilagi’s punishment has been met with outrage and disbelief.
New Zealander and pundit John Campbell captured the mood of many when he weighed in on Twitter.
And Tuilagi’s teammate Eliota Sapolu, who, you may recall, was sanctioned earlier in the tournament for his hyperbolic criticism of the IRB’s scheduling policy, wasn’t slow to join the chorus, either.
It is as yet unclear whether Tuilagi has legitimate grounds on which to challenge the imposition of the fine.
GAA All-Star Hurling nominees announced>
Roy Sheehan up-and-running at Worlds>
YouTube Top 10: because your wife isn’t remotely happy>
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Alesana Tuilagi Eliota Sapolu Fine Injustice IRB Rugby Rugby Union Rugby World Cup Rugby World Cup 2011 RWC2011 Samoa Twitter