A former international rugby star quit the sport the day before he appeared in court over an early-morning nightclub attack.

England’s Jordan Turner-Hall is accused of attacking two men at Brighton’s Pryzm nightclub on October 30 last year. The men, aged 21 and 22, were left with multiple fractures and broken teeth.

The Harlequins centre, who announced on Wednesday that he had retired due to injury, appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court alongside another defendant – James Fairhall – this afternoon.

Turner-Hall, 27, of Creek Road, East Molesey, Surrey, has been charged with causing actual bodily harm and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

Fairhall, 26, of Grove Hill, Brighton, has been charged with causing actual bodily harm, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and perverting the course of justice.

Magistrates said the case would have to be referred to Lewes Crown Court on August 20 because of Fairhall’s perverting the course of justice charge.

Turner-Hall, a former Patcham High School and Brighton College student, joined the Harlequins academy after school and made rapid progress at both club and international level.

He made his first full international appearance against the Barbarians in 2009 before coming off the bench against Scotland at Murrayfield and Italy in Rome during the 2012 Six Nations tournament.

He announced on the Harlequins website: “Overall I’ve had so many great memories playing at Harlequins and although my career has sadly had to be cut short due to injury, they are memories that will live with me forever.

“Playing with your best mates week in week out is what makes playing for Harlequins brilliant; you enjoy training and you enjoy the buzz that you get before each game and it’s something I’ll miss hugely.”

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea added: “Jordan has been a very special person to have around the Club and will be missed by us all both on and off the pitch.

“He has played at times with no regard for himself, but always for the team and I know everyone in the Club will support him in whatever his future holds.”