A RUGBY player who suffered horrific eye injuries in a clash with an opponent has been told assault charges have been dropped - on the eve of a return match.

The Crown Prosecution (CPS) said there was insufficient evidence to charge Paul Sheldon with assault after an incident involving Blaydon player James Houghton last year.

Mr Houghton was unconscious for 15 minutes after a clash during a match in October.

As well as suffering injuries to his right eye, he also swallowed his tongue and stopped breathing for a short time. The 6ft 7ins player has no memory of what happened.

A Rugby Football Union (RFU) tribunal found Mr Sheldon guilty of foul play after a complaint by the Tyneside team. He was banned from playing for four weeks.

Police interviewed Mr Sheldon, who plays for Staffordshire team Longton RFC, and a file was sent to the CPS.

The decision not to proceed with the case came on the eve of Blaydon's return match against Longton today.

Mr Houghton and his girlfriend, history teacher Helen Denison, from Durham, said they were disappointed by the decision.

Mr Houghton, 28, said: "I am pretty disillusioned with it all."

Mr Houghton will play in today's game, although Mr Sheldon has not been selected.