Former Scotland rugby player to stand trial accused of raping and abusing woman over 14 years

A former Scotland rugby international is to face trial accused of controlling, abusing and raping a woman.

Tim Visser faces the claims, which span a 14 year-period, allegedly occurring in Edinburgh and elsewhere between 2010 and 2024

Two of the four charges state the 39-year-old, capped 33 times by Scotland, raped the woman on various occasions.

These include claims that Visser had sex with her after consent had been withdrawn.

A separate allegation states the ex-Newcastle Falcons, Edinburgh and Harlequins player repeatedly behaved in a threatening and abusive manner towards the female.

Among the accusations is that Visser “took intimate images” of her without her consent.

He was said to have been aggressive, hounded her with calls and texts, demanded to know where she was, controlled her appearance, finances, what she wore and ate.

Prosecutors further claim Visser, of Milton Bridge, Midlothian, isolated her from family and friends, as well as allegations that he was physically violent.

A fourth charge states he did engage in a course of abusive behaviour against the woman on various occasions.

The accusation lists a total of 26 different claims.

A number of cases are similar to the threatening behaviour allegation, but also include a string of sexual matters.

One is that he sent an intimate image of the woman to someone else.

Although not formal charges, the indictment goes on to state that the prosecution may present evidence about other matters dating back to 2004.

They feature claims of physical and sexual incidents, threats, as well as controlling behaviour.

A hearing took place at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday.

Ian Duguid, defending, said: “It is a plea of not guilty to the indictment.”

Both the KC and prosecutor Anna Chisholm agreed that a trial could be fixed.

Lord Scott went on to set a date, and the case is due to begin on January 12, 2028, in Edinburgh.

It could last around seven days.

The ex-rugby star was born in the Netherlands, but opted not to play for his home nation and instead represented Scotland as a winger between 2012 and 2017. He retired from the sport in 2019.