Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

'His last chance' - Agen sign controversial centre

George Tilsley of New Zealand dives in for a try during the quarter final match between New Zealandi and Canada at Westpac Stadium on February 7, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Agen have formally signed controversial centre George Tilsley, who was released by Toulouse earlier this summer after being convicted on a domestic violence charge.

ADVERTISEMENT

Tilsley was given a six-month suspended prison sentence for assaulting his girlfriend. The 31-year-old winger was placed in police custody on 10 August and subsequently pleaded guilty to the charges against him. Toulouse then sacked him.

Now Agen, his former club have signed him until 2025, saying both he and the club are aware that this is a ‘last chance’ for the former New Zealand Sevens star.

Video Spacer

The Big Jim Show – IRE v SCO

Watch the Big Jim Show Live on Saturday before and after the Ireland v Scotland game, Live & Free only on Rugbypass TV

Watch Here

Video Spacer

The Big Jim Show – IRE v SCO

Watch the Big Jim Show Live on Saturday before and after the Ireland v Scotland game, Live & Free only on Rugbypass TV

Watch Here

Agen have issued a statement in which they explain why they have re-signed the 6’5, 100kg centre: “Eight years ago, it was SUA LG that gave George his first chance in a French professional club. So we have a special history with him.

“We all know his situation, but today he is coming home, in Armandie, and we are aware of being the club which is giving him his last chance. George knows that he must more than anyone be irreproachable, on and off the field.

“This responsibility is his, the club will be uncompromising on his behavior as he is with all the players who wear the image of SUA LG.”

Tilsley was the first player of Papua New Guinea heritage to represent the New Zealand sevens team. He has represented Manawatu, Bordeaux and Perpignan in the past, and although attached to Toulouse for a short period before his sacking, never played a game for them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

J
JW 20 minutes ago
England player ratings vs South Africa | 2024 Autumn Nations Series

As has been the way all year, and for all England's play I can remember. I missed a lot of the better years under Eddie though.


Lets have a look at the LQB for the last few games... 41% under 3 sec compared to 56% last week, 47% in the game you felt England best in against NZ, and 56 against Ireland.


That was my impression as well. Dunno if that is a lack of good counterattack ball from the D, forward dominance (Post Contact Meters stats reversed yesterday compared to that fast Ireland game), or some Borthwick scheme, but I think that has been highlighted as Englands best point of difference this year with their attack, more particularly how they target using it in certain areas. So depending on how you look at it, not necessarily the individual players.


You seem to be falling into the same trap as NZs supporters when it comes to Damien McKenzie. That play you highlight Slade in wasn't one of those LQB situations from memory, that was all on the brilliance of Smith. Sure, Slade did his job in that situation, but Smith far exceeded his (though I understand it was a move Sleightholme was calling for). But yeah, it's not always going to be on a platter from your 10 and NZ have been missing that Slade line, in your example, more often than not too. When you go back to Furbank and Feyi-Waboso returns you'll have that threat again. Just need to generate that ball, wait for some of these next Gen forwards to come through etc, the props and injured 6 coming back to the bench. I don't think you can put Earl back to 7, unless he spends the next two years speeding up (which might be good for him because he's getting beat by speed like he's not used to not having his own speed to react anymore).

7 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Jake White: If I was England coach, I’d have been livid Jake White: As England coach, I’d have been livid
Search