NZEALAND RUGBY PLAYERS CRY RACISM.

New Zealand colts rugby players involved in a scuffle outside a South African nightclub may have been victims of racial slurs, the rugby union said on Sunday. New Zealand Rugby Football Union chief executive David Rutherford said while the team had been briefed on heckling they could expect when in South Africa, some players may have reacted to comments made to them. "There's been suggestions about (race being an issue). We'll listen to what's gone down," Rutherford said on National Radio. "It wouldn't be surprising in that part of South Africa for Polynesian or Maori players to suffer some sort of local taunting. "But it wouldn't excuse any sort of reaction. That's the very sort of thing they've got to be aware of." The New Zealand Under 21 World Cup rugby team were involved in fighting outside the Nite Fever club in Johannesburg on Friday night. Shots were fired and team members were injured after being asked to leave the club, where they were drinking after the final game in the World Cup. NZRFU said a full investigation would be carried out after the team arrived back in Auckland about midnight tonight. It appeared the worst injury was suffered by Southland halfback Jimmy Cowan, who was knocked out twice and received two black eyes. He was carried to the team's hotel by an Italian player. Wellington No 8 player Thomas Waldrom hurt his ankle fleeing the fracas. Others received minor injuries, team manager Sean Fitzpatrick said, but no one was hurt by shots that were fired during the fighting. Some players were hit over the head by the gunman, receiving bruising. Fitzpatrick said the team had been asked to leave the nightclub prior to the incident, but he gave no further details. "He (the gunman) fired a couple of shots in the air. The guys scattered everywhere but a few got caught," Fitzpatrick said. "Everyone is safe. No one was seriously injured -- just a ...