Vainikolo bailed after street fight arrest

England and Gloucester wing Lesley Vainikolo was arrested after a man suffered head injuries in an early morning street fight, it was revealed today.

Vainikolo was questioned after an incident in Bath, Somerset, at 2am on Saturday.

Vainikolo, 29, who plays for Gloucester Rugby Club, was held on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

A man in his 20s was taken to hospital with head injuries originally thought to be 'critical' but has since been released, police revealed today.

The Tongan-born star, who made his England debut in this year's Six Nations championship, is now on bail.

A Gloucester spokesman said today: "We are aware of an incident at which Lesley Vainikolo was present on Saturday night.

"We understand the police investigation is ongoing and have no comment to make at this stage."

The club confirmed that 6ft 2in, 17st Vainikolo had been arrested and released on bail, but not charged.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said today: "At 2am on Sunday we were called to reports of an assault in Pierrepont Street, Bath. A man in his 20s was taken to hospital with injuries thought to be critical.

"Subsequently it was found they were not as serious as first thought and he was discharged. A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and has now been released on police bail."

The spokesman said there was 'nothing to suggest' the injured man was a rugby player.

Former Bradford Bulls rugby league player Vainikolo has won five England caps since switching codes, after becoming eligible through his residency here.