Rugby players have cried foul over dog mess on their pitches.

Colchester Rugby Club issued a plea for owners to be more responsible after a spate of incidents at the playing fields in Mill Road.

Three players have dived on to dog mess during matches in the last two weeks.

Ross Cowie, the club’s youth rugby chairman, said: “Irresponsible dog walkers are allowing them to defecate on the pitches.

“Despite the best efforts of the ground staff, who can’t be expected to identify every example, three players have landed in mess.

“It hadn’t been a big problem until recently, until new houses were built around the playing fields.”

Because the ground is designated public open space, dogs on leads are allowed. The club are calling on dog owners to stay off the rugby pitches.

Full story in Thursday's Daily Gazette