Lions brawl as tour hits new low

Two British and Irish Lions players traded punches on the training ground as the increasingly troubled tour of New Zealand hit a new low today.

As the Lions arrived in Wellington ahead of tomorrow's match against the provincial side, it emerged that two, as yet unidentified, players were involved in a bust-up on Sunday, a day after the disappointing defeat by the New Zealand Maori.

It is thought the fight involved players who did not feature in the 19-13 defeat in Hamilton but who are members of the squad who will play a part here tomorrow.

Management calmed the players down after the incident and no disciplinary action is expected to be taken against them.

Lions officials closed ranks today but a spokesman admitted: "I can confirm there was a scuffle at training and it was over in a moment. These things happen and then they are quickly dealt with and the players get on with training."

Although fights between Lions players on tour are not uncommon, the latest incident will be seen as a sign that the pressure is starting to get to the players.