British man accused of knocking out Australian rugby captain with single punch outside kebab shop appears in court

Fractured skull left James Stannard unable to lead country at Commonwealth Games

The 35-year-old player struck his head on the pavement and was taken to hospital, where he was reportedly diagnosed with a fractured skull (AP)

A British man accused of assaulting Australia‘s Rugby Sevens captain just days before the Commonwealth Games has appeared in court.

Sam Oliver, 22, is alleged to have floored James Stannard with a single punch during an “unprovoked” attack outside a kebab shop in Sydney in the early hours of 30 March.

The 35-year-old player struck his head on the pavement and was taken to hospital, where he was reportedly diagnosed with a fractured skull.

The injury left him unable to lead his country at the Gold Coast games in April.

Oliver, wearing a navy blue suit and tie, appeared for a brief hearing at Waverley Local Court on Wednesday.

He had previously pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The case was adjourned until the next hearing on 12 June, where Oliver is not expected to attend.

Oliver, reportedly from Newcastle, had been backpacking in Australia.

Press Association