England and Gloucester rugby star Lesley Vainikolo appeared in court today charged with causing grievous bodily harm during a street brawl.

Vainikolo, 29, nicknamed The Volcano, was arrested after an incident on October 26 last year in which a man in his 20s was taken to hospital with head injuries.

The incident took place outside the Second Bridge nightclub in Bath’s Manvers Street.

At a short hearing today at Bath Magistrates’ Court, Vainikolo, dressed in a blue jumper and jeans, spoke only to confirm his name.

The case was sent to Bristol Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on January 13.

The Tongan-born winger, who plays for Gloucester Rugby Club and lives in Cheltenham, made his England debut in last year’s RBS 6 Nations tournament.

The 6ft 2in, 17.5st player has won five England caps after becoming eligible through his residency in the UK.