FORMER Saints player Sean Long has appeared before magistrates in St Helens charged with assaulting a woman.

Long is facing allegations that he committed the offence against a 40-year-old in Rainford in May.

Dressed in a black hooded jacket, the ex-scrum half stood in the dock to give his name, address and date of birth.

Long is accused of a section 39 common assault, however, there was no further detail given at a brief hearing on Tuesday.

Although Long did not formally enter a plea, his defence solicitor David Achilles indicated his client will deny the charge.

He is also facing a charge of failing to report to St Helens police station on August 28, as part of his bail conditions for the alleged offence.

The 36-year-old from Billinge, Wigan, is assistant coach at Super League side Salford City Reds. The ex-Great Britain international enjoyed an illustrious career at Knowsley Road.

Magistrates granted conditional bail and he will return to court at a later date.