A rugby player has been left with major injuries after being stabbed following a rugby match in South Africa. The unnamed player was one of three attacked when Jeffreys Bay Rugby Club's match against Port Elizabeth Harlequins descended into violence after the final whistle, with spectators storming the field and throwing bricks and beer bottles.
An investigation is underway into the incident in Jeffreys Bay on Saturday, which reportedly occurred after the visiting Harlequins beat the hosts 24-22 with a last-gasp penalty to send them through to the quarter-finals of the Eastern Cape Super 14 Rugby Competition in what was a decisive match.
The violence is said to have been sparked by a Jeffreys Bay reserve player who - according to the initial findings of the competition's steering committee published on Monday - "assaulted" a ball boy from the Harlequins seconds after the final whistle was blown. Fans from both sides then stormed onto the pitch and joined the scuffle.
