The ρ − → μ − ν μν τ branching ratio has been measured using data collected from 1990 to 1995 by the OPAL detector at the LEP collider. The resulting value of B( τ − → μ − τ μτ τ) = 0.1734 ± 0.0009(stat) ± 0.0005(syst) has been used in conjunction with other OPAL measurements to test lepton universality, yielding the coupling constant ratios g μ / g e = 1.0005±0.0043 and g τ / g e = 1.0031 ± 0.0047, in good agreement with the standard Model prediction of unity, and also to determine a value for the Michel parameter η = 0.004± 0.036. This is subsequently used to find a model-dependent limit of the mass for the charged Higgs boson, m H ± > 1.30 tan β, in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model framework.