Stadium prankster denies obstructing Ashes rugby

Daniel Jarvis is due to go on trial on 21 April

An online prankster who posed alongside Australia's rugby league team before their Test match against England at Liverpool's Hill Dickinson stadium on Saturday has denied obstructing a lawful activity.

Daniel Jarvis wore Australia's full kit when he stood next to star player Cameron Munster ahead of the second of three Ashes clashes.

Mr Jarvis pleaded not guilty at South Sefton Magistrates' Court in Bootle and will stand trial at the same venue on 21 April 2026.

The 37-year-old, from Gravesend in Kent, was granted bail with the condition of not entering any professional sports ground or stadium in England and Wales or posting any footage of the incident on social media.

The incident was captured during live BBC TV coverage of the Test match

Mr Jarvis told journalists he "couldn't really talk" about the case after he was released from the court's cells.

The maximum sentence for obstruction of a lawful activity, otherwise known as aggravated trespass, is three months in prison or a £2,500 fine.

District Judge James Clarke ordered Mr Jarvis to be fitted with a GPS electronic tag to ensure he complied with his bail conditions.

Clare Roche, defending, said Mr Jarvis denied his actions had caused any obstruction or disruption to the Test match.

Mr Jarvis was arrested after stewards alerted Merseyside Police of his presence on the pitch.

Speaking after the match, Melbourne Storm half-back Munster told reporters: "It took me a while to click on but it was pretty funny."

England lost 14-4 to Australia on Saturday, ending their hopes of winning the series following a 26-6 defeat in the first Test at Wembley.