Redruth Rugby Club have been ordered to pay £8,500 in damages for injuries caused when one of its players hit an opponent during a match in 2005.
Halifax prop Andrew Garvil had his eye socket broken when he was punched by second row forward Richard Carroll.
Mr Garvil was awarded £8,500 in damages after suing the club and Mr Carroll in the High Court in December 2006.
His case against Redruth was dismissed, but was upheld on appeal. The club will also have to pay £30,000 in costs.
Mr Carroll did not oppose the claim against him, although he has yet to pay any damages.
The appeal court judges were told Carroll was suspended by the Rugby Football Union but Redruth took no action.
On Wednesday, the three judges made the ruling overturning an earlier decision by the High Court which had a drawn a distinction between full-time and part-time players.
The court of appeal said today it was "fair and just" to hold clubs liable where players had a contract of employment even though it was not their full-time job.
The master of the rolls Sir Anthony Clarke said clubs should take proactive steps "to eradicate or minimise the risk of foul play on the pitch".
The club says the judgement will have huge implications for the game as it means they will be responsible for the actions of their players if they deliberately foul a player.
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