Injured rugby player criticises WRU

Chris Stephens was told to pay £2,000 compensation

A rugby player who suffered a horrific eye injury after an assault during a match has criticised the lack of action by the WRU over the attack.

BBC Wales has also learned that Wales manager David Pickering urged Ioan Bebb not to take legal action.

The Cross Keys full-back was awarded £2,000 compensation in court following a case against 25-year-old Wales and Bridgend player Chris Stephens, who admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Chris Stephens is sent off after the assault

Bebb, 30, was punched in the eye by 16st 10lbs Stephens during the first league game of the season against Cross Keys.

As a result, he suffered a detached retina which needed surgery and was forced to retire after doctors warned him it was not safe to play again. He has still not recovered his full sight.

Mr Bebb criticised the authorities for not taking a tougher line on such incidents.

"Ten minutes in the sin bin seemed a bit lenient. I was told by the doctors there could be a deterioration in my eyesight in the next 12 months," said Mr Bebb.

Stephens said: "I was very sorry about what happened and I am sorry for Ioan if he cannot play again."

I had been punched in the past but the pain was much more intense this time

Ioan Bebb, former Cross Keys player

Magistrates at Blackwood, south east Wales, were played two videos of the game in the Premier Division of the Welsh-Scottish League.

Bebb - a former Wolverhampton Wanderers footballer - had scored all his team's points as they trailed 12-15.

Mr Bebb explained: "I passed the ball and tried to move forward with the play. But I was being held around the knees.

"I shouted for him to let go and turned away to face the play. Then I had a sensation of intense pain which I equated with the feeling of being punched.

"But I had been punched in the past but the pain was much more intense this time. I was dazed but not unconscious and I was aware that I walked from the pitch.

"The next thing I remember is sitting in the changing rooms and seeing my wife and children come in."

The physical education and maths teacher then told the court that he risked losing his sight if he ever played rugby again.

Speaking on behalf of his client, Chris Stephen's solicitor said: "He regrets what has happened.

"It was a single blow not struck with any intention of causing significant harm - the effect was an extremely rare chance injury."