A RUGBY player tackled a naked love rival to the floor after finding him at the home of his ex-girlfriend.

Burnley Crown Court heard how semi-professional player Ian James, 28, tackled Wayne Stobbs, lunged at him with a knife, chased him to he bathroom and punched him about the head and body.

James, who had hoped to rekindle his 10-year relationship with the mother of his son, Andrea Radford, was today starting a two-year jail term for the attack. Sentencing him, Judge Raymond Bennett said that 3am was not an appropriate time to go and talk to anyone, especially as James had been drinking.

James, of Livingstone Street, Brierfield, had earlier admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, criminal damage and possessing an offensive weapon.

Philip Holden, prosecuting, said last October, Miss Radford and Mr Stobbs had gone to bed and at about 3am were awoken by a dog barking and knocking on the front door. ames smashed a glass door panel, went into the property and told Mr Stobbs he was going to kill him.

The defendant was armed with a five-inch bladed knife in one hand and had a can of beer in the other. The victim ran naked into the bathroom and James began to kick at the door, causing the wood to splinter.

Mr Stobbs opened the door to try and escape and the defendant lunged at him, wounding his head. He then punched him but Mr Stobbs managed to struggle free and dash into the street. James followed and smashed a window.

Mr Holden said James walked off shouting that Mr Stobbs' "time would come." Miss Radford who had managed to escape half-dressed, went to a neighbour's and police were alerted.

Mohammed Nawaz, defending, said James felt remorse and regret for his actions, which he described as "utterly stupid."

His behaviour was out of order but, thankfully, Mr Stobbs' injuries were not serious.