Bristol Bears have suspended hooker Will Capon after the former England Under-20s player was charged with rape. The 26-year-old appeared in court on Friday, having been accused of the assault in Exeter in September 2021. Capon, who has spent 12 years at Bristol after joining the club’s academy in 2014, denied the charge when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court last week and he will now stand trial at the same court in September next year after being granted unconditional bail.

Bristol have confirmed that the front rower was suspended from “all club activities” after being charged. He has not featured since May last year, having undergone surgery on a knee injury sustained during the Bears’ pre-season training camp in Portugal ahead of the current campaign.

Capon made his senior debut for Bristol in 2018 as they secured promotion to the Gallagher PREM, and featured 13 times for them last season, crossing for four tries.

He was also part of the England squad at the World Rugby U20s Championship in 2019 and called up by Eddie Jones to train with the senior side two years later.

In a statement issued to The Telegraph, Bristol said: “Bristol Bears can confirm that Will Capon is suspended from all club activities pending the outcome of an ongoing legal matter.

“The club will not be making any further comment whilst legal proceedings are active.”

A brief statement from the Crown Prosecution Service read: “Will Capon is charged with one count of rape.

“Next hearing is a case management hearing scheduled for 26 July, 2027 at Exeter Crown Court.”