Toulon's Steffon Armitage contests assault charge, but 'regrets drinking'

Toulon flanker Steffon Armitage has reportedly expressed regret over being drunk during an incident that resulted in the rugby star being charged with assault but has denied wrongdoing.

The 29-year-old and teammate Xavier Chiocci were arrested last month after a 30-year-old tennis coach reportedly suffered facial injuries in an incident on December 13.

At that time, Armitage, who has been tipped for an England World Cup call-up, was celebrating his team's Champions Cup victory over Leicester.

According to La Provence, Armitage said in court: "I contest the charges against me. I do not remember anything. I was really drunk and feel that I unintentionally fell on the victim, this injuring him but without doing it intentionally.

"One thing is for certain, I very much regret being drunk. I'm a professional player and as such must set an example."

French prosecutors are believed to have requested a five- to six-month suspended jail sentence.