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Tuilagi, Solomona sent packing from England camp

Tuilagi and Denny Solomona were sent home from England's training camp on Monday following "team culture issues", the Rugby Football Union said in a statement.

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Tuilagi has not played for England since 2016 due to a succession of serious injuries.

The 26-year-old star was also due to attend a kit launch later on Monday, but he will no longer be attending.

The RFU said they "will not be commenting further".

Britain's Press Association said the pair were disciplined for drinking alcohol during a three-day get-together in Teddington, southwest London.

Leicester centre Tuilagi, 26, was only recalled to the England fold last Thursday, a succession of injuries having prevented him from playing for his country since March 2016.

New Zealand-born Sale wing Solomona, 23, made his England bow during a two-Test tour of Argentina in June, crowning his debut with a late match-winning try in a 38-34 win in San Juan.

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England coach Eddie Jones spoke in glowing terms about Tuilagi last week, explaining that his display in England's 38-21 win over New Zealand in 2012 showed he was worth persevering with despite his injury problems.

Tuilagi has a chequered disciplinary record, his misdemeanours including a conviction for assault and a five-week ban for punching England colleague Chris Ashton.

Jones spoke about the importance of discipline last week after being asked about Harlequins prop Kyle Sinckler, who was arrested after a night out during the British and Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand.

"It is not a black mark against him, but it will be if he does it again," Jones said of Sinckler's arrest.

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"It's a good lesson to have and I think everyone will see that and learn from it. If they don't learn from it, they are in strife."

Additional sources: AFP & independent.co.uk

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