Tuilagi banned for five weeks

Several former players have hit out at the five-week ban handed to Samoa’s Alesana Tuilagi by World Rugby.

The veteran Newcastle Falcons wing struck Japan’s Harumichi Tatekawa with his knee in the second minute and this has led to his suspension after this was deemed as an act of foul play.

The ban has caused quite a stir since it has been announced and a number of ex-players have now voiced their discontent with the decision taken by World Rugby on Twitter.

World Rugby have sparked outrage after their controversial decision to ban Samoa wing Alesana Tuilagi for five weeks for foul play for striking Japan centre Harumichi Tatekawa on Saturday.

“Tuilagi denied the act of foul play”, said the governing body in a statement.

Samoa can not reach the quarter-finals. However, the Judicial Officer, Antony Davies of England, upheld the citing and ruled it was a mid-range offence. That includes matches against Gloucester and Northampton, with the veteran able to play again from November 10.

“However, taking into account mitigating factors including his impeccable conduct during the hearing, good character and record over a long career and the absence of any off-field aggravating factors, the player was suspended for a period of five weeks”.