England World Cup star accused of “violent tackle” in strongly-worded statement

18 October 2023 , 08:01

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England World Cup star accused of “violent tackle” in strongly-worded statement

Racing 92 have accused England flanker Tom Curry of making a "violent tackle" to injure their Fijian star Josua Tuisova.

Steve Borthwick's side came through a frenzied World Cup quarter-final with the Pacific Islanders, with a late drop goal and penalty from Owen Farrell giving them a 30-24 win. It means a semi-final with South Africa in Paris on Saturday, with the Red Rose just one win away from back-to-back final appearances.

But the win in Marseille was tainted by yet another refereeing controversy. With England leading 8-0 midway through the first half, Curry appeared to cut down Tuisova in midfield with a no arms tackle, conceding a penalty and a subsequent three points.

But, despite intervention from the TMO, Curry, who was controversially sent off in England's opening game of the tournament against Argentina, escaped further sanctions. And after it emerged the centre sustained a knee injury in the incident, the Top 14 club haven't held back in a released statement.

"During the England v Fiji match counting for the third quarter-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, last Sunday, October 15, the Fijian centre of Racing 92 Josua Tuisova suffered a violent tackle without the arms of the English player, thus injuring his left knee," it read. "The player will consult specialist opinions in the coming days to determine the duration of his unavailability."

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Racing go to Montpellier on October 29 but clearly expect to be without the 29-year-old, adding: "92 wishes Josua Tuisova a speedy recovery and shows him all its support during this period."

HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Tom Curry have been yellow carded against Fiji? Comment below.

Tuisova, nicknamed "Human Bulldozer" by his countrymen, had bravely remained at the World Cup following the death of his seven-year-old son Tito after a long illness. The news reached the 2016 Olympic gold medalist just hours before Fiji played Georgia, with Tuisova missing the funeral as a result.

He'd previously starred in his side's scintillating 22-15 win over Australia, winning the man-of-the-match award. And he was a big factor in Fiji reaching a first World Cup quarter-final since 2007.

Tuisova has plied his trade in France since 2013, starting out at Toulon, winning two European crowns with them. After six years he joined Lyon, before moving to Racing 92 earlier this year.

Fraser Watson