Rugby player shockingly stabbed by a fan at half-time during a match in South Africa

A rugby match was abandoned in South Africa after a player was shockingly stabbed by a spectator during the half-time break.

The incident occurred during a League A match between Never Despair and Porterville.

The player was taken to hospital and later discharged, while the attacker was detained by police after being chased by players and the Never Despair chairman.

A statement from the Boland Rugby Union condemned the ‘shocking incident’, with the organisation confirming the match was abandoned after the referee was ‘too traumatised’ to continue.

‘The union immediately reached out to the Never Despair rugby community to assist in any way possible,’ the statement read.

‘The chairman of Never Despair chased after the culprit, and with the help of players, the person was detained and handed over to SAPS.

‘The vice-chairman of the club, Mr James Davids, a paramedic, attended to the wounded player until he was taken to hospital by ambulance. The player was discharged from hospital on Sunday.

‘After a discussion between management of the two clubs and match officials, the match was called off because the referees were too traumatised to go ahead.

‘Randall Swarts, the chairman of the visiting club, confirmed to Boland Rugby that his club was satisfied that the host club’s safety procedures were in order, with security visible.

‘The traumatic events, even though isolated, are viewed in a very serious light by the union. The union immediately discussed the incident with the club in order to obtain a detailed report.’

South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander condemned the latest violence in matches in the nation.

Jeffreys Bay Rugby Club saw their home fixtures suspended after three visiting players from Port Elizabeth Harlequins were stabbed in March.

Kowie United were also hit with a ban after a referee was assaulted during their match against Swallows RFC.

South Africa Rugby Union President Mark Alexander, centre, condemned violence at matches

Rugby is a physical game where players go hammer-and-tongs at each other for 80 minutes, but at the final whistle, we shake hands and have a drink with each other. That is the proud ethos of rugby,’ Alexander told Rugby 365.

‘However, this type of behaviour is a disgrace and unacceptable.

‘At the heart of rugby is a unique ethos which it has retained over the years.

Not only is the game played to the Laws, but within the spirit of the Laws.

‘Through discipline, control and mutual self-respect, a fellowship and sense of fair play are forged, defining rugby as the game it is.

‘Living the values of the game both on and off the field is of paramount importance, and during discussions and negotiations in boardrooms and meeting rooms, is crucial to the success and enjoyment of rugby.