Wales forward Andy Powell 'kicked and punched by around 10 people' during ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"I needed at least 10 stitches but I am OK now. I am feeling sore all over, but it was just one of those things."

Powell says he had gone to the pub "for a few drinks" with Payne, who has been capped 22 times by England and last played for Martin Johnson's side against Australia on the tour last June.

Powell, 29, who joined Wasps at the start of the season, admitted he had been engaged with some "banter" with some Queens Park Rangers supporters who had entered the pub following the football club's Championship match against Derby County.

The match, which ended 0-0, was played at QPR's nearby Loftus Road ground, where Wasps used to play before moving to Adams Park in High Wycombe.

"A load of QPR fans came into the pub after their match and I think they heard my Welsh accent and started giving me a bit of stick," Powell added.

"We started singing a few songs and exchanging a bit of banter but then it all kicked off. I was asked by the police afterwards if I wanted to press any charges but I said I just wanted to forget about it and move on."

The Metropolitan Police last night confirmed they were investigating the incident, but said no arrests had been made.

"Officers were called at 10.30pm last night to reports of an altercation at the Walkabout pub in Shepherd's Bush Green," said a spokesman. "The incident is being investigated by officers from the violent crimes unit at Hammersmith in Fulham. There have been no arrests and inquiries are ongoing."

It is understood the incident has been captured on CCTV and Wasps will review the footage today.

It is likely that Wasps will bring their investigation to a swift conclusion, given that they have an important Premiership match against Bath on Saturday.

"The club is not in a position to disclose any further details at this stage and will not comment until the internal investigation has concluded," said Wasps in a statement.

It is understood there was no official complaint to Wasps by the management of The Walkabout pub, who when contacted last night denied any knowledge of the altercation.

The Rugby Football Union, which only last week had to warn England full-back Ben Foden about his

future conduct after receiving a police caution for causing criminal damage following a row with a taxi driver, said it was aware of the incident.

"At the time this is a matter for the players and their club and we are working with them to understand the facts of the situation," said an RFU spokesman. "We are confident the player will co-ope rate fully with the club's internal investigation."