A Samoan rugby international has appeared in court charged with a serious assault on a man in Dublin in April 2011. Alesana Tuilagi met gardaí at Dublin Airport this morning on foot of a European arrest warrant.

Mr Tuilagi (33) agreed to travel to Ireland and meet with gardaí investigating an allegation that he seriously assaulted a man in Dublin three years ago.

Police agencies across Europe were aware that he was wanted here for questioning and he was arrested on foot of a European warrant.

He was taken to Coolock garda station where he was charged with assault causing harm this afternoon.

Mr Tuilagi, who recently signed for the Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership, is accused of seriously assaulting a man on Harcourt Street on April 10th in 2011.

He did not speak during a brief appearance before Dublin District Court this afternoon and there was no objection to bail.

The Samoan international was then remanded on bail to appear in court again in October.