Nightclub fight leads to rugby star Max Evans on trial

SCOTTISH rugby international Max Evans will stand trial later this month charged with assaulting a man with a glass at a nightclub almost 18 months ago.

The 28-year-old winger, who now plays for the French club Castres, limped into the dock at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday with his left foot and ankle encased in a metal support as a result of an injury sustained during the Six Nations game against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Solicitor Ross Gardner told Sheriff Alistair Noble that Evans was continuing his not guilty plea to the charge.

It is alleged that on 1 August 2010, at Lulu nightclub in George Street, Edinburgh, Evans assaulted Alasdair McCaig by striking him on the face with a glass to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment.

Mr Gardner said a defence devolution motion relating to the Cadder ruling had been withdrawn.

Fiscal depute Dev Kapadia said that, with the withdrawal of the motion, the case could now proceed to trial on 27 February.