LONDON (Reuters) - England rugby international Olly Barkley was acquitted by a court on Tuesday after an assault charge against him was abandoned, his legal team said.

The flyhalf, who will join Gloucester next season from Bath, was charged in December following an incident at a private function last July.

"I am naturally relieved by the decision today, but disappointed that it should have ever come to court," Barkley said in a statement issued by Malletts Solicitors.

"I hope that my performances this season will stand me in good stead with Gloucester and England next season and that I can continue to go from strength to strength."

Barkley, who has 21 England caps, had vehemently denied any wrongdoing from the outset.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Rex Gowar)