Tuilagi mouthguard sale aims for $10,000

The infamous mouthguard that first made headlines early in the Rugby World Cup was last night set to fetch up to $10,000 - the same amount its user was fined for wearing it.

Samoa winger Alesana Tuilagi broke International Rugby Board rules and was fined for wearing the unauthorised OPRO mouthguard.

Days later, younger brother Manu Tuilagi, 20, an England player, was fined the same amount for wearing a similar shield.

Alesana Tuilagi has since offered his mouthguard, autographed, for auction on Trade Me.

He has also included the boots he wore during Manu Samoa's 13-5 defeat to reigning Rugby World Cup champions South Africa.

Last night, bidding had reached $6000. The auction has been viewed around 30,000 times and more than 400 people are keeping a watch on the sale.

All funds raised will go to Samoan company Event Polynesia, the main funder of the development of professional boxing in Samoa.

Samoa boxing promoter Pa'u Fereti Puni said Tuilagi was persuaded to give up his mouthguard and boots after being approached at the airport.

Mr Puni said it was a worthy cause, given there was so little funding for the development of professional boxing in the islands.

"Boxing is the poor cousin of rugby in the Pacific. The Pacific has so much talent but lacks the resources to participate in the much-needed international tournaments," he said.

"It's close to impossible to get any sponsorship in Samoa."

The auction will end this morning.

Mr Puni said he expected people would make last-minute bids, which could reach $10,000.