Scotland rugby players face assault charge

Four Scottish international rugby players are expected to appear in court in Glasgow next month over an alleged serious assault, it has emerged.

The BBC understands the players involved are Ryan Grant, Sean Maitland, Ryan Wilson and Rory Hughes.

Grant and Maitland were both part of the British and Irish Lions tour this summer.

The charges relate to an incident in Glasgow's west end in October, when a 29-year-old man was injured.

The incident was said to have taken place outside a takeaway shop in Great Western Road.

Maitland, 25, and Grant, 28, are both in the Scotland squad that will play South Africa at Murrayfield on Sunday.

'Internal inquiry'

Wilson, 24, has played four times for the national team and is currently recovering from injury, while 20-year-old Hughes is a member of the Scotland Sevens squad.

A police spokeswoman said: "Three men aged 25, 28 and 20 are the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal as the result of an alleged serious assault and an assault."

It is understood Wilson was reported last week.

All four players are contracted to Glasgow Warriors.

A club spokesman said: "As part of our own procedures we would always instigate an extensive internal inquiry into any allegations of player conduct falling below the high standards that are part and parcel of Scottish Rugby's ethos and values.

"We are continuing our own internal investigation into an alleged incident last month, while at all times co-operating fully with the authorities.

"The club will be making no further comment at this time."

A spokesman for Scottish Rugby said: "We have been kept fully apprised of the alleged incident and we will continue to monitor closely any developments.

"We cannot offer any comment on the alleged incident at this time. However, we do reiterate that it is imperative that the values of our game are upheld by all those involved with the sport."