Former Scotland rugby international Tim Visser to stand trial on rape and abuse charges

Plea of not guilty entered for 14-year indictment covering alleged physical and sexual violence

By LineZotpaper

Published22 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Former Scotland rugby international Tim Visser will go on trial in January 2028 accused of controlling, abusing and raping a woman over a 14-year period, after a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow entered a not guilty plea to the indictment.

The 39-year-old, capped 33 times by Scotland, faces four charges covering alleged incidents in Edinburgh and elsewhere between 2010 and 2024. Two charges allege that Visser raped the woman on various occasions, including claims he had sex with her after consent had been withdrawn. A separate charge accuses him of repeatedly behaving in a threatening and abusive manner, including sending unwanted calls and texts, demanding to know her whereabouts, and controlling her appearance, finances, clothing, and diet. Prosecutors also claim he took intimate images of her without consent.

A fourth charge states that Visser engaged in a course of abusive behaviour against the woman, listing 26 separate claims, some similar to the threatening behaviour allegation and others involving sexual matters, including sending an intimate image of the woman to someone else. The indictment notes that the prosecution may present evidence about other matters dating back to 2004, though these are not formal charges at this stage and include further allegations of physical and sexual incidents, threats, and controlling behaviour.

Defence lawyer Ian Duguid told the court, "It is a plea of not guilty to the indictment." A trial was set for 12 January 2028 in Edinburgh.

Visser, originally from the Netherlands, represented Scotland as a winger between 2012 and 2017, playing for Newcastle Falcons, Edinburgh, and Harlequins before retiring two years later.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The case involves a former international sportsman and allegations of serious, long-term domestic and sexual abuse, which may draw public attention to similar cases in sport.
The 14-year timeframe and range of charges, including rape, controlling behaviour, and taking intimate images without consent, reflect the scope of evidence prosecutors have gathered.
The trial date is set for January 2028, meaning the legal process will continue for over a year, with potential impact on Visser’s public profile and any ongoing sports-related roles.

Background

Tim Visser is a former professional rugby union player who earned 33 caps for Scotland between 2012 and 2017. Born in the Netherlands, he chose to represent Scotland rather than his native country. After retiring from rugby in 2019, he has remained in the public eye through occasional media appearances and sports-related work. The charges span the period from 2010 to 2024, covering both his active playing years and post-retirement life.

Key Perspectives

Prosecution: The Crown alleges a sustained pattern of rape, physical violence, threats, and controlling behaviour, supported by 26 specific claims and the possibility of further evidence dating back to 2004. The indictment details both physical and sexual misconduct. Defence: Through Ian Duguid, Visser has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. The defence will contest the allegations at trial. Public interest: The case highlights how allegations of domestic and sexual abuse within sport are treated by the justice system, and the lengthy timeframe over which such offences may come to light.

What to Watch

Whether further evidence from earlier years (pre-2010) is admitted at trial.
The outcome of the trial in January 2028 and any impact on Visser’s legacy in Scottish rugby.
Potential wider discussion about safeguarding and support for alleged victims in elite sport contexts.

Sources

Former Scotland rugby international to go on trial charged with rape · BBC Scotland

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedVisser is to stand trial on rape and abuse charges.BBC Scotland: “A former Scotland rugby international is to go on trial accused of controlling, abusing and raping a woman.”
Partly supportedThe indictment itself covers a 14-year period.BBC Scotland: “The charges against Tim Visser span a 14-year period”
SupportedVisser will go on trial in January 2028.BBC Scotland: “A trial was set for 12 January 2028 in Edinburgh.”
SupportedA not-guilty plea was entered to the indictment at a hearing in Glasgow.BBC Scotland: “At the High Court in Glasgow, Ian Duguid, defending, said: "It is a plea of not guilty to the indictment."”
SupportedIan Duguid said, “It is a plea of not guilty to the indictment.”BBC Scotland: “At the High Court in Glasgow, Ian Duguid, defending, said: "It is a plea of not guilty to the indictment."”
SupportedThe charges allege incidents in Edinburgh and elsewhere between 2010 and 2024.BBC Scotland: “The charges against Tim Visser span a 14-year period and are alleged to have happened in Edinburgh and elsewhere between 2010 and 2024.”
SupportedTwo of the four charges allege rape on various occasions, including sex after consent had been withdrawn.BBC Scotland: “Two of the four charges state that the 39 year-old, who has been capped 33 times by Scotland, raped the woman on various occasions. These include claims he had sex with her after consent had been withdrawn.”
SupportedVisser is 39 and has been capped 33 times by Scotland.BBC Scotland: “the 39 year-old, who has been capped 33 times by Scotland”
SupportedProsecutors allege that Visser was physically violent toward the woman.BBC Scotland: “Prosecutors further claim Visser, from Milton Bridge, Midlothian, isolated the woman from family and friends and was physically violent.”
SupportedA fourth charge lists 26 claims as part of an alleged course of abusive behaviour.BBC Scotland: “The accusation lists a total of 26 different claims.”
SupportedThe prosecution may present evidence about other matters dating back to 2004, which are not formal charges at this stage.BBC Scotland: “The indictment goes on to state that the prosecution may present evidence about other matters dating back to 2004, but these are not formal charges at this stage.”
SupportedVisser represented Scotland as a winger between 2012 and 2017 and retired two years later.BBC Scotland: “Instead he represented Scotland as a winger between 2012 and 2017 before he retired from the sport two years later.”