Manu Tuilagi has apologised for making a "bunny ears" gesture behind the head of British prime minister David Cameron in a photocall at 10 Downing Street on Monday.

“Apologies for messing around on Lions photo. No offence intended,” Tuilagi tweeted. “Great day at Downing Street. Thanks to Prime Minister for hosting us.”

The British and Irish Lions were invited to Downing Street to celebrate their 2-1 series win over Australia. Samoan-born Tuilagi, 22, ran into trouble two years ago when he jumped from a ferry during the World Cup in New Zealand. He was fined €3,575 by rugby officials and cautioned by police.

Ian Ritchie, the chief executive of the RFU, criticised Tuilagi’s actions and predicted England head coach Stuart Lancaster would “have some words” with him. He said: “Recognise it for what it is, not a good thing to do, apologise for it and then we need to make sure that those sort of things don’t occur again.”