Leicester Tigers coach Matt O'Connor believes Manu Tuilagi has returned with a renewed attitude and deserves to feature in the England squad for the autumn internationals despite his recent off-field indiscretion.
Leicester Tigers coach Matt O'Connor believes Manu Tuilagi has returned with a renewed attitude and deserves to feature in the England squad for the autumn internationals despite his recent off-field indiscretion.
According to British media reports, centre Tuilagi and winger Denny Solomona were sent home from a national training camp last week after they had indulged in a drunken night out.
While England coach Eddie Jones was furious with the incident, O'Connor said it was partly due the Tuilagi's frustration at the slow rehabilitation process from a series of injuries.
"I would be very surprised if it had further ramifications. Eddie is a smart guy," O'Connor told reporters.
"He was isolated off the back of being in rehab all time, and he wasn't enjoying all the things that he enjoys doing.
"He understands that he made a mistake. He knows he got it wrong. He has come back with a renewed attitude. He understands what the standards are around the England environment."
Tuilagi, who has managed just one England appearance from the bench under Jones since the Australian took charge in 2015, has struggled with a groin issue, chest injuries and most recently a knee problem.
He was restricted to seven appearance for Leicester last season but O'Connor remains confident of the 26-year-old's ability to rediscover his form this season.
"He is doing really well. Injury-wise, he is flying, and in a lot better head-space. Hopefully, he will play against Bath in round one," O'Connor added. "He loves everything about the game. He is a pleasure to coach."
Leicester open their Premiership campaign against Bath on Sept. 3, while England are next in action when they host Argentina, Australia and Samoa at Twickenham in November.
(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
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