RFU ban Tuilagi after he 'launches downwards towards' player's head

Bedford No.8 Fred Tuilagi has been handed an RFU ban after an incident during a Championship match between Bedford Blues and Doncaster Knights on the weekend.

The son of Leicester Tigers legend Freddie Tuilagi – and nephew of England centre Manu – was involved in a contentious clear-out that occurred during a breakdown near the Doncaster line during the game at Goldington Road.

The written judgement outlines briefly how after a carry from a Bedford blindside flanker was halted five metres out by a low tackle from an opposition second row. Doncaster No.8 Morgan Strong then assisted in bringing the player to the ground, maintaining a position over the ball.

Strong remained on his feet, leaning over the tackled player and positioning himself to contest possession.

The 6’3, 120kg Tuilagi approached the breakdown to clear Strong out but, as he neared the ruck, tucked his right arm into his body and launched downward, making contact with his right elbow/upper arm to the right side of Strong’s head.

The forceful impact resulted in Strong’s head absorbing a significant blow. Although Tuilagi’s left arm wrapped around Strong’s shirt, the nature of the clear-out was deemed reckless.

Tuilagi’s actions were adjudged to have shown no mitigation or care, as Strong was static and legal in his position over the ball.

Strong continued to play without showing signs of injury and Doncaster reported that he did not suffer a concussion.

Tuilagi was handed a two-match ban after being cited for dangerous play in a ruck during the game against Doncaster Knights on 19th October. An independent disciplinary panel reviewed the case on papers and Tuilagi admitted the charge, which was deemed contrary to World Rugby Law 9.20(b).

The suspension could be reduced to one match if the former AS Bédarrides, London Scottish, Rugby Colorno and Chinnor forward successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme (CIP).

In the same game Doncaster Knights player Ben Murphy has been handed a three-match ban after being cited for dangerous tackling. Murphy admitted the charge, which was deemed contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13. The ban may be reduced to two matches if Murphy completes the World Rugby CIP.