RFU told to protect integrity

Published: Tuesday, 17. May, 2011 in category Northampton
Tuilagi: Punches Ashton during the play-off semi-final

The call for sanctions comes after Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi was caught punching Northampton's Chris Ashton in the Aviva Premiership play-off semi-final.

Tuilagi retaliated to a push in the back by landing a three-punch combination on Ashton, leaving the England winger needing stitches to a cut above the eye.

The 19-year-old is now set to be cited for the incident - with any ban for a guilty verdict from a disciplinary hearing set to rule him out of the Premiership final and the England Saxons squad for the Churchill Cup.

And with some cases of foul play in the lower echelons of the game resulting in legal action, the RFU have been urged to act to prevent an increase in court cases.

Katie Simmonds, a solicitor at Front Row Legal, told skysports.com: "Rugby is 80 minutes of hard-hitting action in which both teams use their best endeavours to compete at the highest level to win.

"Inevitably, players can expect tough tackles and full body contact as rugby is a physical sport.

"However, this should always be within the premise of fair play and adherence to the rules of the game.

"When violence occurs between players outside these rules, this is within the jurisdiction of the governing body - the RFU.

"Although there have been instances in the lower leagues recently where criminal proceedings have been commenced, for this to become habitual would jeopardise the very nature of the sport which relies on players and referees using their judgement in the heat of the moment.

"Clearly there is a distinction between illegal tackles and violent conduct but if all players are to be liable for criminal proceedings this will inhibit the game.

"It is up to the RFU to ensure that the sanctions imposed for misdemeanours are proportionate and reflect the severity of the incident so that this behaviour is stamped out."