The team's manager Jeff Crowe released a statement yesterday confirming the incident had taken place in Durban and that the matter was under investigation.

Crowe said Cairns was not seriously hurt but was knocked to the ground.

``The incident happened outside the nightclub. Cairns had been asked to leave the nightclub by bar staff after reported loud behaviour by several members of the team,'' Crowe said.

``I am reviewing the incident with regard to player safety, security and behaviour and will be speaking to the players and South African police.

``I have, however, been advised by the South African police that the incident was unprovoked and was not related to any issue between Cairns and the person who assaulted him.''

A New Zealand journalist, who witnessed the incident, told the New Zealand Press Association (NZPA) that Cairns was felled by a punch from behind after the players were told to leave the club.

According to the NZPA report, armed security guards, employed to protect the team, intervened and bundled the players into cars, which took them back to their Durban hotel.

New Zealand beat South Africa in Johannesburg last week to jeopardise the home team's chances of making the next stage of the World Cup.

The New Zealanders went to Durban for a short break after forfeiting their match against Kenya because of security concerns.

They flew back to Johannesburg yesterday but would not comment on the incident.

South African police told Reuters they were not investigating the matter as no formal charges had been laid by either party.