Former rugby player pleads not guilty to rape

George Makepeace-Cubitt played for the Northampton Saints until February and has also made appearances for England U-20s

A former Northampton Saints player who also played rugby for England has denied a charge of rape.

George Makepeace-Cubitt, 21, of Colemans Moor Road in Woodley, Berkshire, pleaded not guilty at Northampton Crown Court on Thursday.

He was charged with raping a woman aged 16 years or over in Northampton in February.

He has been released on conditional bail and is due to appear at another hearing, which is yet to be scheduled.

A club spokesperson said it was made aware of an allegation of sexual assault against Makepeace-Cubitt on Wednesday, 26 February.

It said: "Makepeace-Cubitt was arrested on suspicion of rape on the above date, and after he was released on bail, did not return to Saints for training or any fixtures.

"The club continued to support him under its duty of care to the player, while also co-operating with the authorities to support their inquiries."

It said his contract with the club ended on Monday, 30 June, prior to him being charged by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).