Several former international players have issued scathing attacks on World Rugby over the five-week ban handed down to Samoa winger Alesana Tuilagi.

Tuilagi was cited following a clash with Japan's Harumichi Tatekawa during Saturday's pool B fixture between the two sides, before being issued with the ban that will see him miss the start of the Aviva Premiership season.

The suspension has not been well received by a number of former players though, with ex-England captain Lewis Moody tweeting: "I'm appalled alesana has been banned for 5 weeks. How is running into an opponent an act of foul play. Should we play walking rugby now!!!"

"Crazy decision, seriously think by the time we get to the 2023 World Cup it will be a Tag rugby tournament," wrote former Wales flanker Martyn Williams.

Former England hooker George Chuter added: "Tuilagi ban is ridiculous. Had I been banned every time I sat someone down like that in my career, I would have served around zero weeks...."

Samoa face Scotland at St James' Park, Newcastle, in their final Pool B fixture on Saturday.