England star charged over street brawl

England rugby star Lesley Vainikolo was charged today with causing grievous bodily harm following an early morning street brawl.

Vainikolo, 29, nicknamed The Volcano, was held after a fight in Bath, Somerset, at 2am on October 26.

A man in his 20s was taken to hospital with head injuries first thought to be “critical”, but was later discharged.

He will appear at Bath Magistrates’ Court on January 2 charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, Avon and Somerset Police said.

The Tongan-born winger, who plays for Gloucester Rugby Club and lives in Cheltenham, made his England debut in this year’s Six Nations tournament.

The 6ft 2in, 17.5st winger has won five England caps after becoming eligible through his residency in the UK.