{UAH} Newcastle Falcons rugby player Zach Kibirige to stand trial on rape charges
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A Newcastle Falcons rugby player is due to stand trial on sex charges.
Zach Kibirige, of Melbourne Street, Newcastle, faces accusations of seven sexual offences and will be tried by a jury on Thursday.
The England under-20s winger denies four offences of rape, one of sexual assault, one of attempted rape and one of assault by penetration.
The alleged offences date back to last year.
The 21-year-old denies all charges, and appeared at Newcastle Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday.
He did not sit in the dock but remained in the public gallery throughout the hearing.
Judge Paul Sloan QC said the trial will begin tomorrow.
Kibirige, who was born in Middlesbrough, rose through the ranks at Newcastle Falcons' academy after playing youth rugby for Darlington RFC.
A spokesman for Newcastle Falcons said: "Newcastle Falcons can confirm that they are aware of the charges brought by Northumbria Police against Zach Kibirige, and recognise the nature of these allegations.
"Upon learning of the alleged incident the club instigated an internal investigation. This investigation will conclude on completion of all legal proceedings.
"During this period Zach has continued to train with the club and has received appropriate support, but has been unavailable for any playing, commercial or community duties.
"Neither the player nor the club will be making any further comment on this matter."
Kibirige made his debut for the Falcons aged 17 in October 2012.
As a school boy, he won the Daily Mail vase at Twickenham with Yarm School in 2013. He has also played rugby for England's 7s team and for Blaydon RFC.
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