England centre Manu Tuilagi has denied assaulting two female police officers, despite admitting to the offence during a court hearing earlier this year.
The 24-year-old Leicester Tigers player pleaded guilty before magistrates after being accused of pushing the officers during an incident with a taxi driver.
However, Tuilagi has now claimed that he did not commit the offence, but only admitted guilt in order to get the case over and done with.
"We pleaded guilty because we wanted the case done with," BBC Sport quotes Tuilagi as saying. "I didn't assault any of the police officers. It looks like I have basically beaten up the two police officers, which is not the case.
"I always own up to what I've done. I feel with this one that I've owned up to what I've not done. That's why I feel it's important to get my side of the story out."
Tuilagi was fined £6,205 in May for two counts of assaulting a police officer, assault by beating and causing criminal damage.
The rugby player is serving a ban from the England team, which will expire in January.
Danielle Joynson
