Rugby star to go on trial

A Super Rugby star will stand trial tomorrow on two charges relating to an alleged assault in a pub carpark.

The rising rugby star has maintained his innocence about the alleged incident outside the Mangawhai Tavern, north of Auckland, in August 2009.

The player, who is accused of assaulting a man and leaving him unconscious, will go before a jury at the Whangarei High Court.

The 26-year-old victim claims he lost two front teeth, needed stitches and injured his knee.

The rugby player, who has won several international honours, fought a long legal battle to keep his name suppressed.

He was granted interim name suppression until it was lifted last March.

However, he appealed to the High Court and suppression was reintroduced.