LEDBURY Rugby Club was so outraged by an alleged "malicious" assault on one of their players during a game, they have reported the matter to police.

The 24 year old player suffered severe damage to his eye and eye-socket, which required a stay in hospital.

The injuries are believed to have been caused by elbow during a ruck, and the damage was so extensive the Ledbury player had to undergo surgery, and needed time off work to recover.

West Mercia Police are appealing for information following the alleged assault in a match against Rhymney Valley RFC at the end of August.

Club vice president, Julian Cotton said: "In our view, the nature of the injury was not something that would normally be sustained during normal play. There was a lot of damage to the player's eye and eye socket. In intent we think it was pretty malicious."

Mr Cotton stressed he was not present at the time of the "cross border" match, but it was his understanding that the damage to the Ledbury player's eye and eye-socket was caused by an elbow.

The incident is reported to have take place at around 2.15pm on Saturday, August 27 at the Ross Road-based club.

The player was allegedly assaulted 15 minutes into the game against Rhymney Valley RFC.

The player sustained serious facial injuries and was taken to Hereford County Hospital A&E and later required surgery at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The Reporter understands that the man required time off work to recover, but that he is now back at work.

Police would like to hear from anyone who attended the match and may have witnessed the assault to try and establish the circumstances surrounding it.

The club is hoping video evidence may be forthcoming for the police investigation, as well as witnesses.

Anyone with information should call the police on 101 quoting 661s, August 28.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org