Olly Barkley opted for a crown court trial before a jury

The 26-year-old Bath fly-half is accused of attacking Simon Cole following a reception at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire on 15 July.

Mr Barkley, from Bath, denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Aylesbury Magistrates' Court.

He opted for a crown court trial before a jury. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Mr Barkley appeared for England during the 2007 World Cup in France and has earned 21 caps during his career.

Magistrates granted him unconditional bail to return to the same court on 11 February for a committal hearing.