MANU TUILAGI AND Denny Solomona have been sent home from an England training camp due to “team culture issues”, the Rugby Football Union announced on Monday.
“Denny Solomona and Manu Tuilagi have been sent home today from England’s training camp following team culture issues,” the RFU said in a short press release. “We will not be commenting further.”
Britain’s Press Association said the pair were disciplined for drinking alcohol during a three-day get-together in Teddington, southwest London.
Leicester centre Tuilagi, 26, was only recalled to the England fold last Thursday, a succession of injuries having prevented him from playing for his country since March 2016.
New Zealand-born Sale wing Solomona, 23, made his England bow during a two-Test tour of Argentina in June, crowning his debut with a late match-winning try in a 38-34 win in San Juan.
England head coach Eddie Jones had assembled a 37-man squad for the training camp, which was due to finish on Monday.
Jones spoke in glowing terms about Tuilagi last week, explaining that his display in England’s 38-21 win over New Zealand in 2012 showed he was worth persevering with despite his injury problems.
“I’ve got no idea where he is really until we see him,” Jones said.
“But I do know he can demolish the All Blacks, so he’s worth time, he’s worth effort and worth a lot of care. Manu’s just got to get fit and healthy.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
I think considering the circumstances, Dillane could have been relased
@jay bernard: wouldn’t look good for Andy Farrell if one of the starting locks picks up
an injury and Dillane is playing with Connacht
Even if Gallagher was fit it would be something. Would any other province be left with one squad lock and one academy lock? Surely they should be allowed a medical joker? This is a huge game in regards the pool too
That weakened second row likely to cost Connacht you’d think? Murray is still very raw and even though Maksymiw has shown up more this season together they are big step down from Dillane, Roux and Thornbury.
I haven’t seen Jonny Murphy this season I think? I’ll be interested to see how he goes when he comes in, I guess a lot of that will depend on how the game is going at that point.
Interesting to see Eoghan Masterson back on the bench, no word on whether he is extending his contract or throwing his lot in with Scotland?
@Darragh Murray: absolutely will, squad wise Edinburgh have a massive edge especially at home. Murray is talentrd but physically a couple of years away from being ready for this level. Really disappointed that Copeland is yet again not listed in a Connacht squad. Utter waste of talent, at his best he should have been pushing Heaslip for the Ireland jersey but since Cardiff he’s been real flanker injury / attitude wise…
Edinburgh are a top top side even without their international contingent. Can’t see anything other than an Edinburgh win.
Copeland injured?
@s mc: isn’t he always? Either that or again out-of-favour, although I’d have thought he could have done a job in the second row for this one. Connacht unlikely to beat Edinburgh away with Maksymiw and Murray at second row.
@David Finn:
I like Murray as a player but he is still fierce light… Bundi weights more than him and he is 8 inches taller. I think he is only a few months out of playing for the U20 this season again…
I think Joe is improving but he is in tough position that our main three 2nd rows are international class. Thornbury has everything but the cap, injury has been his curse.
IT is a big game for the two of them but they are surrounded with our best and they can make a name for themselves. Good Luck…
Jesus, that’s a big Edinburgh pack compare to Connaughts.
@Harry O’Callaghan:
Connacht is giving away an average of a stone a man…. Second rows alone are giving over 5 stone… Lineouts and open field running lads, less of the scrums..