Rugby Union: Police act over injury

A RUGBY union player was questioned by police last night and released on bail later after an opposing player received serious head injuries during play. The injured player was taken to hospital by an air ambulance which landed on the pitch of Hendon Rugby Club in north London.

Scotland Yard said police were questioning spectators at the Hertfordshire / Middlesex League game between Hendon and Centaur from West Drayton, Middlesex. The rugby player questioned has to return to Hendon police station in two weeks' time. Neither man was named by police.

The injured man, a Hendon player, was said to be in 'extremely critical' condition by a spokeswoman at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. A decision on possible surgery would be taken later. Members of the player's family were with him. The match was abandoned after the incident, which happened during the late stages of the game.