A rugby player had to undergo an operation after contracting an infection thought to be connected to dog fouling.

Barney Binder, 37, said doctors had told him they had never seen a case like it before.

The Maldon Rugby Club member had been on the pitch for a game on Saturday, January 18.

He said if the dog fouling was to blame for the infection, it shows how dangerous it could be if any children were playing on the pitch.

"I am sure that 95 per cent of dog owners are responsible and it's just the minority that don't care," said Mr Binder.

Full story in this week's Standard.