The case dates back to 2017 when Farrell was playing for Top 14 side Grenoble.

The Bordeaux Court of Appeal confirmed on Thursday that three former Grenoble rugby players accused of rape have been referred to the Assises Court of Gironde, French media reported.

"Munster Rugby and Chris Farrell have agreed that, with immediate effect, he will be stepping back from his involvement with the Munster squad whilst legal proceedings in France, concerning his alleged involvement as a witness to an alleged crime in 2017, are on-going," Munster said in a statement.

"As this is an active legal matter before the French courts, we have no further comment."

Farrell, capped 15 times by Ireland, played for Ulster before moving to Grenoble in 2014.

He has made over 70 appearances for Munster since joining them in 2017.

Munster take on Zebre in their next fixture of the United Rugby Championship.