Shocking video footage apparently shows rugby stars involved in a bar brawl during a training camp in Portugal.
Girls are seen scrambling over tables to escape the mayhem before a fight spills into an outside seating area and glasses are hurled.
One player from rugby union side Leicester Tigers reportedly suffered a facial wound from flying glass in the fracas with men thought to be security staff.
Police were called to The Irish Pub in Albufeira Marina, the Algarve, last Monday night – but everyone involved had left by the time they arrived.
A source said: “Although the footage shows there was a sudden surge of violence, it was all over very quickly.”
The mobile footage shows the Leicester players at a table in high spirits. At one point one of the lads can be seen performing pull-ups on a beam.
A witness claimed they were told they would not be served any more drinks. Several men in white T-shirts were then recorded facing the Tigers players – with some apparently trying to calm the situation.
One man can be heard saying “It’s going to kick off” while another shouts “Can you control this?” just before the trouble.
The film shows men thought to be security punching Tigers players – who appear to respond by surging into the outside area.
Leicester’s head coach Geordan Murphy visited after the fight and spoke to police. No arrests have been made.
A club spokesman said: “The players made us aware of an incident when they were given a night off. The club have co-operated fully with authorities and while we believe this is the end of the matter, we will take further action if appropriate.”
The Portuguese National Republican Guard said: “At 11.30pm on September 2, we received a call informing us of an altercation at a nightspot which allegedly involved an English rugby team.
"Officers were dispatched. When they reached the premises, there was no ongoing altercation, because those involved had left.
“The National Republican Guard ended up intercepting members of the rugby club, Leicester Tigers. The individuals were identified and a report sent to a court in Loule.”
Sources said a GNR rapid response unit was mobilised.
One said: “The officers’ primary concern was to focus on the situation at hand and exactly what happened and why will form part of a judicial investigation.
"The players were co-operative and the manager went to the bar and apparently offered to pay for any damage, but my understanding is he was told there was nothing to pay.
“The owner didn’t make a complaint, although there was damage. The police report was sent to a prosecutor. I am not aware of anyone needing medical attention.
"The people involved were identified so they can be summonsed for further questioning if necessary.”
The Irish Pub did not respond to requests for comment.
