Former New Zealand rugby union international Mils Muliaina will go on trial next year over allegations he sexually assaulted a woman.
The 35-year-old fullback appeared at Cardiff Crown Court today for a brief hearing in front of Judge Eleri Rees.
He has been charged with one count of sexual assault, which the prosecution alleges took place in Cardiff city centre on March 7.
Hours before the alleged incident, Muliaina had turned out for Connacht in their away game against Cardiff Blues.
A month later he was shown being led away by police from the Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester following his team’s European Challenge Cup quarter-final match.
Muliaina has not yet entered a formal plea, although the court heard he will contest the matter against him when a plea and case management hearing takes place next month.
His trial is expected to take place on February 22 next year.
Muliaina, who now plays for Italian side Zebre, was released on bail.