England rugby union centre Manu Tuilagi has apologised for playing a prank on British Prime Minister David Cameron during the British and Irish Lions’ recent visit to Downing Street.
Tuilagi gave Cameron “bunny ears” while standing behind and to the left of the Conservative Party leader as a group of players and management posed for a photo at the function on Monday to honour the Lions’ 2-1 series victory over Australia this year.
The Leicester Tigers centre took to Twitter to express his remorse for the incident.
“Apologies for messing around on Lions photo,” he tweeted.
“No offence intended. Great Day at Downing Street. Thanks to Prime Minister for hosting us.”
It is not the first time Tuilagi has been the centre of controversy.
He was fined STG3,000 ($A5,150) by the Rugby Football Union after he jumped from a ferry during England’s World Cup campaign in New Zealand two years ago.
Tuilagi was cautioned by police on that occasion and disciplined by then England coach Martin Johnson.
Following his latest prank, Tuilagi’s team-mates reacted on social networking site Twitter.
Ben Youngs, a fellow British and Irish Lion, England and Tigers player, tweeted: “The man@Manutuilagi just couldn’t stop himself.”
The halfback later removed the tweet and posted a picture of himself posing outside 10 Downing Street.
Gloucester five-eighth Freddie Burns tweeted: “Great bottle from Manu Tuilagi! Haha. #chief”.
Gavin Melville
Roar Pro
Didn't the Australian Prime Minister touch up The Queen's @rse during one visit to the colonies a while back?
Chan Wee
Guest
LOL http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2424277/Mumbles-Rugby-clubs-naked-running-Twitter-picture-goes-viral.html
atlas
Guest
yes in a week where rugby seems to have taken on life and death proportions, something harmless to have a quiet chuckle over
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
I read about it yesterday and laughed and I think the same today - it was funny as a circus. He's Samoan, they enjoy life and laugh and giggle a lot, even the thumping big very good rugby players. What's not to like in that? Good on Cameron for laughing later as well - it's done him no damage at all.
mania
Guest
maybe not. this isnt either manu's or his mums prime minister
Garth
Guest
Still, I wouldn't want to be Manu the next time his mum gives him a call. She wasn't too impresed with his ferry antics a couple of years ago.
BBA
Guest
Occ ourse David Cameron is not phased. Its free publicity and a win for the politician, as by not over-reacting he comes across as a real person and someone with a sense of humour. Brian Moore comes across as a one of those grumpy muppets in the box seats.
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
A total non-event. It was a schoolboy prank, committed by a lad not long out of school himself, which Cameron took in good spirits. No-one got hurt, some people chuckled, others tutted. It's not like he disrespected the PM by asking an audience "Does this guy ever shut up?" ;)
crusader fan
Guest
lighten up mate
crusader fan
Guest
Obviously the PM is not faced by it, check the Twitter convensation below to see for yourself: ManuSamoa Tuilagi @Manutuilagi 54s Cheers for having a great sense of humour @David_Cameron always welcome around mine for dinner and to get me back! David Cameron @David_Cameron 1h .@Manutuilagi it was great to welcome you and the @lionsofficial team to No10. No need to apologise, I know it was just a bit of fun. ManuSamoa Tuilagi @Manutuilagi 17 Sep Apologies for messing around on Lions photo. No offence intended. Great day at Downing Street. Thanks to Prime Minister for hosting us.
crusader fan
Guest
Too many PC people in this world at the moment....lighten up people, there is more serious matters to worry about than getting upset by a light hearted joke.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
On a more serious note. Love this guys play. He can be a bit lazy at times and Id like to see him hit the ball at pace a bit more often but what a prospect.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
I heard he "tea bagged" him too but the PM got him back with a "dirty Sanchez". They laughed and laughed.
Expatwarrior
Guest
That warmonger deserved more than rabbit ears.
atlas
Guest
here it is: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02673/tuilagi_2673749b.jpg "His gesture pales in comparison of the visit of the 2005 Ashes-winning England squad to Downing Street when it was alleged that a player urinated in the Prime Minister’s garden."
Chan Wee
Guest
oh these English, they take these things too seriously. all dressed up and looking prim and proper. have u guys seen how OBAMA hosts the NBA, NFL teams at White House? sport is entertainment, if politicians want to make media miles, they shud be sports :)
Rob G.
Guest
Wow, he sounds like a real low life.