Former New Zealand rugby star Mils Muliaina appeared in court in Cardiff, South Wales, on Friday charged with sexually assaulting a woman.

Officials at Cardiff Magistrates Court said the 34-year-old full-back, who won 100 caps for the All Blacks, has been charged with one count of sexual assault over an alleged incident in Cardiff city centre on March 7.

Hours earlier, Muliaina had played for Irish side Connacht in an away game against Cardiff Blues. He was arrested by police after a European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Gloucester in April.

Muliaina has not yet entered a formal plea, but the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association has stated that he "strenuously denies any wrongdoing" and intends to plead not guilty.

His case will resume at Cardiff Crown Court on September 7.

Muliaina, who retired from international rugby in 2011, currently lives in Galway, Ireland, and plays for Italian club Zebre.
Source: AFP