Former Connacht rugby player Mils Muliaina has appeared in court in Wales to face accusations of sexually assaulting a woman.
Officials confirmed Muliaina, who appeared before Cardiff magistrates, has been charged with one count of sexual assault, which the prosecution claim occurred in Cardiff city centre on 7 March.
Hours before the alleged incident, Muliaina played 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 Connacht’s European Challenge Cup quarter-final match.
While Muliaina has yet to enter a formal plea, the New Zealand Rugby Players Association has previously said the full back "strenuously denies any wrongdoing" and intended to "plead not guilty".
Muliaina now plays for Italian side Zebre.
He won 100 caps for the All Blacks before retiring from international duty in 2011.
His case will resume at Cardiff Crown Court on 7 September.
