Rugby player pays penalty as lion bites his hand 

BLOEMFONTEIN: A Welsh rugby player had an unusual reason for missing a big game in South Africa: A lion bit his hand.

Scott Baldwin was taken to the hospital to receive stitches and treatment against infection after ignoring instructions about not touching a lion during the trip to a game park in South Africa.

His coach was not sympathetic.

"When you put your hand in a fence where there is a lion, then you will get bitten," Ospreys coach Steve Tandy said. "It was pretty stupid on Scott's behalf and he is pretty lucky. It was a good environment and we were told how far back to stand.

"I don't know what sort of wildlife show Scott has been watching where you can pat a lion on the head as if it's a kitten."

The 29-year-old Baldwin also plays as a hooker for Wales' national team. He was with Welsh club Ospreys in Bloemfontein for a PRO14 league game against a South African franchise ironically called Cheetahs on Friday.

Without Baldwin, Ospreys lost 44-25.

The incident took place on Thursday.

"Sorry, all Ospreys fans for letting you and the team down by missing the game through the bite!" Baldwin said on Twitter, where he also uploaded a video of the incident.

"On the mend thankfully & should be up & running around soon enough thanks for your support & concern."

Ospreys said Baldwin would be released from the hospital on Saturday to travel home with the rest of the squad.