Police inquiry into rugby 'kick'

Police have said they are investigating after a player had his leg broken after an alleged kick during a rugby match in Cardiff.

The player with Canton RFC was injured during a match at the team's pitch in Lawrenny Avenue in Leckwith on Saturday.

He is recovering at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff, where he underwent surgery for two fractures.

The team were playing against Gwernyfed RFC from Talgarth in Powys, mid Wales.

It has been claimed that the Canton player - who was in his 30s - was kicked in the knee from behind by a player from Gwernyfed. He then fell to the ground.

Spectators appeal

Within seconds, a fight broke out on the pitch and the alleged attacker was substituted by Gwernyfed which is based at Talgarth near Brecon.

Chairman of Canton Mel Pitt said he did not see what happened and that it was his club officials who called in South Wales Police.

Ian McCloud, secretary of Gwernyfed, said it was an off-the-ball incident near to the end of the game.

He said the club did not condone violence of any kind and added that officials would be making their own inquiries and interviewing the players concerned.

Police are appealing for spectators who saw what happened to come forward.