A Samoan rugby player has appeared before a Dublin court charged in connection with an assault outside a nightclub in the city over three years ago.

Alesana Tuilagi (33) is alleged to have seriously assaulted a man on Dublin's Harcourt Street in April 2011.

Judge John O'Neill remanded Mr Tuilagi on cash bail to appear before the court again in October.

The accused, a Samoan rugby player who plays for the Newcastle Falcons in the Aviva Premiership in England, appeared before Dublin District Court this evening charged with seriously assaulting a man outside a nightclub on April 10, 2011.

Detective Inspector Tony Howard said he met Mr Tuilagi by appointment at Oscar Traynor Road in Coolock this afternoon. Mr Tuilagi was arrested on foot of an arrest warrant issued by Dublin District Court in September 2011 and taken to Coolock Garda Station.

Insp Howard said Mr Tuilagi was subsequently charged at 3.25pm. The charge was read over to him. He was handed a true copy of the charge sheet and he made nothing to say to the charge after caution.

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The court heard that Mr Tuilagi is living in the UK but Insp Howard said he had no objection to cash bail, as the accused met him by appointment and he accepted his bona fides.

The court heard that the DPP has directed summary disposal of the matter in the District Court where the potential penalties upon conviction are less severe, but Insp Howard said he wished to speak to the DPP's office to re-confirm these directions.

Insp Howard also told the court that the alleged assault was captured on CCTV.

Judge O'Neill remanded Mr Tuilagi on bail to appear before the court again in October.

The judge ordered the disclosure of any statements as well as CCTV footage of the alleged assault to Mr Tuilagi's legal team.

Judge O'Neill asked that a medical report be available on the next occasion so that jurisdiction may be considered.

Mr Tuilagi, who was wearing red shorts, a bright blue hoodie and flip flops, did not address the court during the short hearing.

Online Editors