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TOP 14

'Don't talk to us about player safety': Manu Tuilagi's Top 14 debut controversy

By Ben Smith

68 days ago

(Source/Canal+)

England international Manu Tuilagi’s debut for Bayonne in the Top 14 has caused a stir after a shot on La Rochelle’s Gregory Alldritt caused the loose forward to have a go at the ref officials.

The 33-year-old England centre made his delayed debut for new club and a fast start had Bayonne up 20-0 early. In the 29th minute Tuilagi crossed paths with Alldritt, launching into the loose forward.

The French international was not happy with the tackle and asked the officials to review what appeared to be head-on-head contact, however the response from referee was not what Alldritt wanted to hear.

Referee Luc Ramos told his TMO that “the player is complaining” about the tackle, before responding to Alldritt that “the tackle is legal, it’s your head that tilts forward.”

“It’s not legal. Don’t talk to us about player safety anymore,” Alldritt responded.

🎙️ "C'est un plaquage pour faire mal"
L'avis de Richard Dourthe à propos du plaquage de Tuilagi sur Alldritt 💥 pic.twitter.com/vvZHY17e5X
— CANAL+ Rugby (@CanalplusRugby) October 12, 2024

Bayonne went on to win comfortably by 37-7 over the two-time European champions however if the tackle had been judged differently, it could have been a contest.

Comments

5 Comments

NK 66 days ago

Controversy? Shouldn't be any. Tuilagi's head is probably at the same height as his waist, how low a player is expected to tackle... For the record, I've never been a fan of Tuilagi while Alldritt is amongst my favourite France players.

MakeOllieMathisAnAB 67 days ago

That’s why you have 20 minute red cards. Different ref on a different day facing different crowd and occasion pressure might have given that a card.

SteveD 67 days ago

While I don't particularly like Tuilagi there was absolutely nothing wrong with his tackle. Just another whinging Frenchman!

Ed the Duck 68 days ago

Spot on from Ramos, Alldrit dips massively going into contact and it’s on him!

Bull Shark 68 days ago

I think that ls a reasonable call.

I wonder if world rugby will add “having a big head” to mitigation?

Tuilagi obviously goes low but Alldritt’s big head gets in the way.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Hellhound 49 minutes ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

On this I agree with you. There were many great teams and many different eras of rugby with very different rule sets. It's actually impossible to declare one team or player as the best ever. However, this is definitely the best SA team SA has ever had. All the accolades speaks for itself.

129 Go to comments

Hellhound 53 minutes ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

129 Go to comments

Barry 1 hour ago

URC chief executive addresses potential Premiership merger

The RFU won't go for it especially now they've enhanced hybrid contracts and some control over their international players.

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Barry 4 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Exactly. They haven't learnt. Their regions and U20s are also whipping boys which is the bigger concern. Nothing coming through.

They maxed out the credit cards to keep their golden generation of players at home. It's now destroyed the game at every level in Wales.

10 Go to comments

Barry 4 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Nor can the same coach turn it around. That's been proven across the last year. It will be years before they are even competitive again. It's a 5 year + job. No way Gatland will be around for that.

Italy's nadir was around ten years ago and even they were better equipped with their regions, U20s and senior squad and management. Wales have further to fall.

10 Go to comments

Barry 4 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

If they're happy at losing 12 on the bounce, get a regional coach who would be as bad but cost about a sixth in salary.

10 Go to comments

dw 5 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I'm no expert but I've never seen nz or even aus as doing much for those nations? Both have benefited from their countries players playing for us! I see most of the top nations looking after themselves and maybe it's a world rugby issue?

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richard davies 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

At 600k a year I would think there will be quite a Que. win lose or draw you can blame the small stature of the players and the WRU