IVYBRIDGE second row Dan Jones is likely to be out of action for a few months with a broken nose after being punched by St Austell centre Sam Rhodes.

He was facing an operation this week to repair the damage incurred from an incident near the end of Ivybridge's 46-19 defeat at home in their opening league game of the season.

It all started when home prop Matt Finn and St Austell flanker Paul Winterbottom started fighting following a disputed offside decision.

During the ensuing melee, Rhodes ran over 20 metres to punch Jones twice in the face.

Referee Paddy Dummett did not hesitate in showing Rhodes a straight red card and also issued Finn and Winterbottom with a yellow card each.

Rhodes apologised to Ivybridge players and officials after the match and is likely to receive a hefty ban for his indiscretion.