Former Springbok prop Robbie Kempson has been released after his arrest for allegedly assaulting an American player on a rugby field in Bermuda, Beeld reported on Thursday.

Kempson, 38, played for South Africa in the World Rugby Classic in a match against the USA on Saturday.

During the match, American flyhalf Leif Gibson, 34, sustained a back injury after Kempson allegedly ran into him from behind, and without the ball.

The Bok veterans won the match 43-10.

According to Stefan Terblanche, SA Rugby Legends Association CEO, Gibson laid an assault charge against Kempson, after which he was arrested.

"He has to report to the police later on Thursday. He has a legal representative, and he will complete the tour," Terblanche told Sport24.

Kempson told Bermuda's Royal Gazette he was relieved to have been released.

"It's a contact sport and there will always be injuries. I've also experienced rugby injuries, and I know how he (Gibson) must be feeling," he said.

US team manager Tim Kluempers told the Royal Gazette that Gibson "may never play again" as a result of the injury.

The American player was taken from the field on a stretcher and has returned home to the USA for further treatment.