Samoan Tuilagi suspended for five weeks

Almost all rugby experts and neutral observers are agreed that the ban is hugely unfair on the wing, brother of England global centre Manu, and that Tatekawa’s injury came after he got his head the wrong side in the tackle, not through malicious intent from the Samoan.

Tuilagi’s suspension takes effect immediately, ruling him out out of Samoa’s World Cup finale against Scotland at Kingston Park on Saturday, plus Newcastle’s first four Premiership fixtures against Gloucester, Northampton, Exeter and Worcester.

Tuilagi, 34, caught Harumichi Tatekawa with his knee in the second minute of the Pool B game at Stadium MK, a game Japan went on to win 26-5 – sending Samoa out of the competition.

Tuilagi denied any foul play but the charge was upheld.

“In the context of the Rugby World Cup a week equates to one match”. Should Tuilagi have been banned, or is this another example of over-zealous officiating? The Japanese player got his tackle/head wrong.

World Rugby’s statement confirmed that Tuilagi has 48 hours to appeal the decision which has not only ended his hopes of playing in Samoa’s final World Cup match against Scotland on Saturday, but possibly his worldwide career. How is running into an opponent and act of fowl [sic] play. “Should we play walking rugby now!!!”