rugby players injured.

"The rugby players have asked us not to,'' said Police spokeswoman Insp.

Roseanda Jones.

The fight between the World Rugby Classic players and local footballers occurred on Friday night at the Paget food bar.

One of the US rugby players, Dr. Mike Halliday, later flew off the Island to receive a medical check-up on an eye injury. It was feared he may have suffered serious damage. Yesterday, however, he said from Michigan: "I have a bruised retina, but fortunately there is no permanent damage.'' Meanwhile, confusion still reigns over the circumstances of last week's incident. People claiming to be eye-witnesses have given conflicting accounts.

On Monday, Mr. Calix Darrell, a security officer and chef at the Ice Queen, pointed the finger of blame at Dr. Halliday and his team-mate Mr. Jake Burkhardt.

Mr. Darrell claimed trouble erupted shortly after he told one of the Bermudian footballers at the food bar to stop using bad language.

He said a rugby player suddenly got involved and struck a Bermudian twice with a crash helmet.

Fighting then erupted between the rugby players and two Bermudians.

Dr. Halliday, however, yesterday completely rejected Mr. Darrell's version, although he agreed the Bermudians had been using foul language. He said fighting occurred after his team-mate was pushed from behind by a Bermudian.

"Jake then swung out to his left and right,'' he added.

Dr. Halliday said about four Bermudians set upon Mr. Burghardt. "I saw another one rush past me and kick Jake in the head. Jake was knocked out cold, and I chased after the guy who I saw kick him. When I caught up, three or four people pinned me down. I was grabbed from behind, and someone tried strangling me. I also received lacerations from a belt and buckles.''