England winger Lesley Vainikolo has been cleared of all charges arising out a brawl outside a nightclub.

The prosecution announced on Tuesday it had dropped a charge of causing grievous bodily harm against the 30-year-old Tongan-born star, who plays for Bath.

At a previous trial, a jury failed to reach a verdict after Vainikolo admitted throwing a punch in self-defence and denied causing serious harm to a rugby fan who was involved in last October's fight.

After leaving the court, Vainikolo said: "The last year has been hell and I am lucky that my family and friends throughout the world have supported me. The prayers and the love have kept me sane."

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