Rugby player bashed outside Timaru nightclub

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A Heartland rugby player was assaulted in the main street of Timaru on a night out following an away game, said police.

The 23-year-old East Coast player was attacked outside a nightclub about 3am this morning after his team played South Canterbury.

Radio Live reported the victim was Ben Parkes and the attack was racially-motivated.

Police said the victim sustained a serious injury to his mouth and was being treated at Christchurch Hospital.

They have CCTV footage of the assault, which occurred as a large crowd left a nightclub.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Timaru police.