15 January 2013 Last updated at 11:44 ET

Ex-Great Britain rugby league star Sean Long faces assault charge

Mr Long has previously pleaded not guilty to the charge

Former Great Britain rugby league international Sean Long has appeared in court charged with assaulting a woman.

The 36-year-old, who retired in 2011, has previously denied the allegation, which was made by a former tenant of a property he owned.

Mr Long, of Smithy Glen Drive, Billinge, spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth at St Helens and Knowsley Magistrates Court.

He was granted bail ahead of a trial which is due to begin on 12 June.

The former St Helens scrum-half, who won every domestic honour in the game in a 12-year spell at Saints, is assistant coach at financially-stricken Super League club Salford City Reds.

Mr Long, who also played for Wigan, Widnes and Hull, appeared for both Great Britain and England at international level during his playing career.