Bok faces assault probe

Springbok Robbie Kempson has been arrested and may face charges of assault in Bermuda.

The 38-year-old retired prop was arrested on Saturday after an alleged assault left an American player with spinal injuries at a World Rugby Classic game.

He has since been released from custody, but the incident is being further investigated.

Kempson is on the island with the SA Legends teams who are participating in the World Rugby Classic against former international players.

US flyhalf Leif Gibson, 34, may never play again as a result of the incident, which is said to have occurred "off the ball", reports out of Bermuda say.

Kempson ran into Gibson from the back, according to US team manager Tim Kluempers. The player is said to have fallen to the ground, where he lay motionless before being carried off the field on a stretcher.

The injured Gibson was admitted to a hospital from which he has since been discharged.

SA Rugby Legends Association CEO Stefan Terblanche yesterday said Kempson is receiving as much support as possible after the "unfortunate incident".

"The investigation is ongoing as we speak, and we will hear further [today] on any developments. Those investigating are looking at all possible evidence. We are doing whatever we can to help Rob," Terblanche said.

The South African team continued without Kempson when they played against Argentina last night. The last match of the tournament will be on Saturday and the team is expected to return next Tuesday.

Kempson earned 37 Springbok caps between 1998 and 2003. He now heads the Eastern Province Kings academy.

The EP Rugby Union declined to comment yesterday, saying the details it received were sketchy.