Rugby player denies GBH charges

Lesley Vainikolo is due to stand trial on 7 September

England and Gloucester rugby player Lesley Vainikolo has denied attacking a man outside a nightclub.

The 30-year-old pleaded not guilty at Bristol Crown Court to causing grievous bodily harm after an incident outside a nightclub in Bath on 26 October 2008.

Mr Vainikolo was charged after the incident which resulted in Jake Alicker being taken to hospital with head injuries, the court heard.

After entering his plea, Judge Michael Roach set a trial date for 7 September.

Vainikolo has been out of action most of the season after undergoing surgery on a ruptured Achilles tendon - an injury sustained while he was playing for his club Gloucester RFC against Saracens on 3 January.

He made his England debut in last year's RBS Six Nations tournament.

He has won five England caps after becoming eligible through his residency in the UK.