A brawl between two Bermuda internationals in the players' tent after their World Rugby Classic defeat to Canada is being investigated by local rugby bosses.

Pete Shillingford's national select side were beaten 33-20 by Canada in the opening game of Classic finals day last weekend, a match in which a Canadian was left with a jaw broken in two places by a punch from Bermuda forward Stewart Thompson.

And an internal complaint has now been lodged to the Bermuda Rugby Football Union concerning the conduct of two of the starters from that game, Paul Jones and Jason Scott, who play for rival sides domestically.

It is understood the players, one from Renegades the other from Mariners, had an altercation in the bar and had to be separated by players from one of the visiting teams.

"I can confirm that we have received a complaint from within the union in relation to an incident in the players' tent last Saturday," said BRFU chairman Dave Worsfold, who also played in the match.

"I personally didn't see the incident but we are looking into it and it will be discussed at our next committee meeting and we will decide what action, if any, needs to be taken."

Worsfold, who also admits he didn't see the punch in the first half of the physical encounter that left Canadian Kit Warren bloodied and in need of dental surgery, revealed the BRFU had the power to suspend players from domestic and international competition for incidents both on and off the field ? although he could remember no such ban in the past four years of involvement with the sport's governing body.

National coach Shillingford had heard something of the incident in the bar and was also keen to downplay the punching incident from the match itself.

"I have heard something about it but I don't know the details other than that the committee have been informed and are going to look into it," said Shillingford.

"As for the punch, well rugby is a tough game and I can't imagine it was intentional. These things can happen in a game, there were injuries all week to players of all teams ? that is the game nowadays.

"Often these things are just six of one, half-a-dozen of the other."

National team skipper Derrick (Bobby) Hurdle, regarded as a gentleman on and off the field, also offered the "game is rough" version of events for what happened on the field.

"It is unfortunate but it is one of those things that does happen in a rugby game," said Hurdle, whose father Derek also represented the national team.

"The game did get rough at one stage and I was talking to the Canadians afterwards, some of whom I have known for years, and they admitted they were surprised at how physical we were although they started using their size advantage as well.

"As for the other thing (the fight afterwards) this is the first I have heard of it. It doesn't sound like the sort of thing that has ever been a problem for us before as a national team.

"Rugby is a sport where you play hard and then have a drink with your opposite number afterwards and team-mates all stick together. Like I say, I had not heard of it until now but, if it is true, it is disappointing because that is not how we play the game here."

The incidents tarnish what was otherwise a positive day for Bermuda rugby, as the national select side led the Canadians by a single point until three minutes from the end of a pulsating match.

Both coach and captain had praised the performance, which was heralded by many in the rugby fraternity as proof that the Bermuda side should be playing in the Classic every year.

Worsfold and Shillingford both have mixed views on the subject claiming that although it was good for Bermuda in the past ? they beat South Africa one year and took the mighty All Blacks to within five points ? the event has changed now.

"We would like Bermuda to be involved," said Worsfold.

"But it is not our decision. It worked out well this year playing the Canadians as the losing Plate semi-finalists because we couldn't get a side in this year for a variety of reasons.

"We are grateful to John Kane (Classic president) for giving us a chance to play at the event in front of such a big crowd and although it would be nice to play in the Classic ? I enjoyed playing for Bermuda in the event a few years ago ? things have changed a lot now and maybe the ideal game for us would be a straight international, if we can find the opposition.

"But the Classic is a commercial event and it is John's decision not ours and maybe it is a commercial decision as much as anything."

Shillingford added: "There are times when I think maybe we should have a chance to play again but it is a Classic event and we probably couldn't cope if we had to put in a Classic side so we might be better off playing just internationals, although still as part of finals day where we always get a lot of support."