Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England centre Manu Tuilagi has been fined NZ 10,000 (£4,800) by Rugby World Cup officials for wearing a sponsored mouthguard.
Tuilagi, whose elder brother Alesana was sanctioned for the same offence last week, wore the Opro mouthguard in England's first two victories over Argentina and Georgia.
The International Rugby Board's policy is not to announce any fines that are imposed during the tournament but England were forced to admit the breach today.
A Rugby Football Union spokesman said: "Manu wore a mouthguard where the branding was visible in the Georgia match when it shouldn't have been so therefore he's been fined NZ 10,000.
"It was a genuine error and he's trying now to focus on Saturday's game."
The RFU spokesman insisted England had not been fined for any other breaches during the tournament.
The fact both brothers were fined for the same offence has led to suggestions they deliberately flouted the IRB's strict advertising and sponsorship rules.
But Tuilagi insisted they were not part of any ambush marketing campaign.
"I didn't know I had worn the wrong gumshield and I got fined for it," Tuilagi said.
"We always wore the same mouthguard, mine is the England one from the under-18s but it's got 'Opro' on the front and that's not allowed in the World Cup.
"I coloured it in with marker pen for the Romania game. I wore it against Argentina but they didn't know."
Tuilagi's fine is England's latest brush with authority on a World Cup campaign being dogged by controversy.
Last week, Martin Johnson was forced to suspend two members of his coaching staff after they were spotted illegally changing the ball during England's win over Romania.
The RFU, who had feared a potential points deduction which could have wrecked England's title bid, banned kicking coach Dave Alred and fitness specialist Paul Stridgeon from the Scotland game.
Johnson was forced to angrily reprimand James Haskell, Dylan Hartley and Chris Ashton for their reportedly teasing a hotel worker with lewd comments.
The England manager has defended Mike Tindall, who has reportedly "apologised unreservedly" for misleading the RFU about his whereabouts on a now infamous night out in Queenstown.
On the field, England have had Courtney Lawes and Delon Armitage suspended.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments