THE FATHER of a talented sportsman has spoken of the moment his son was bitten in a rugby game which left him rolling on the floor in agony. Joe Parkin, 18, who captains Exmouth Colts under 18s, was bitten while in a ruck during a game played against Exe

THE FATHER of a talented sportsman has spoken of the moment his son was bitten in a rugby game which left him rolling on the floor in agony.

Joe Parkin, 18, who captains Exmouth Colts' under 18s, was bitten while in a ruck during a game played against Exeter Chiefs Colts last weekend.

His dad, Shaun, 52, who coaches the team, said: "This is not the kind of thing that you expect in a game of rugby. It is quite sad really.

"We took him to Exmouth Hospital afterwards because the skin was broken. The bite went through two layers of clothing. We wanted to check whether he needed a tetanus."

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall police said officers were aware of the incident but no arrests had been made.

The case will be looked at by the Rugby Football Union, the game's governing body, with a view of disciplinary action being taken.

Shaun added: "It is going to leave a mark! There is no sport where you are allowed to bite people.