Tuilagi still in with World Cup hope

Manu Tuilagi has been given a World Cup reprieve following the RFU's decision to only ban the Leicester back for five-weeks. The 20-year-old has been the focus of this week's rugby headlines following his 'altercation' with Northampton's Chris Ashton last weekend, in which both were sin-binned even though Tuilagi was the only one doing the altercating. With many in the media – albeit not many working in the rugby world - calling for the Samoan-born to be given anything from a prison sentence to a maximum ban of 52 weeks. The RFU's disciplinary panel have decided on a 10-week ban, reduced to five due to Tuilagi's age, inexperience, admittance of guilt and remorse. Those looking at the online betting UK will have been a little surprised by the move.

Judge Jeff Blackett explained the panel's decision, saying: "This was a top-end entry offence because there were three punches, the third of which was extremely forceful and caused significant injury."

"The top-end range is eight to 52 weeks and we determined that the appropriate entry point within that range is 10 weeks. This was reduced by 50% to reflect Manu's youth and inexperience, his admission of guilt and his genuine remorse."

Ashton himself has this week come out to make it known he bears no grudges over the incident, claiming the clash was just part and parcel of the game. That may have helped Tuilagi's case, as may have Martin Johnson's upcoming World Cup plans, which are widely expected to include the powerful Leicester man. Tuilagi has been an ever present in the Tigers' side this season, scoring seven tries in the process and impressing many who have seen him during this campaign. Fans of rugby betting will know he is a real talent.

The England set-up have been closely following the youngster's career and have high hopes for Tuilagi's future with the English team. Blooding the 20-year old at the World Cup later this season could be just what Tuilagi needs at this stage of his career to ensure he makes the next step-up. He will need to know that the focus needs to be on his skill as a player rather than for his disciplinary issues, with match officials now paying extra attention to him following this incident.