Bristol Bears' Capon to stand trial over rape charge

A professional rugby player will stand trial after being charged with rape.

Bristol Bears hooker Will Capon, 26, appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Friday, having been accused of one count of rape in Exeter in September 2021.

Capon, of Hampton Road in Bristol, was granted unconditional bail ahead of a trial at the same court in September 2027. He has denied the charge.

A Bristol Bears spokesperson confirmed Capon was "suspended from all club activities pending the outcome of an ongoing legal matter".

"The club will not be making any further comment while legal proceedings are active," they added.

Capon will next appear in court for a case management hearing on 26 July 2027.

Capon joined the Bristol Bears Academy in 2014 and has been with the club ever since.

He last played for Bristol in May of the previous season, having undergone knee surgery after an injury during a pre‑season training camp in Portugal.

On 5 March, Bristol Bears announced the signing of a new hooker, Sol Moody, from the Exeter Chiefs for this season.