Hong Kong  - A former Fijian rugby player was fined for assaulting a Hong Kong police officer in a brawl involving more than 50 people that was broken up by police with batons and pepper spray, a media report said Saturday.

The running fight in three streets in the city's Wan Chai district occurred Friday just before the start of this year's Hong Kong Rugby Sevens competition.

Paula Maisiri, 32, pleaded guilty and was fined 500 Hong Kong dollars (64 US dollars) for assaulting the unnamed officer, the South China Morning Post said.

Police were investigating the incident, which involved players in a variety of team colours and security staff.

The three-day sevens competition in Hong Kong, which began Friday, is the fifth in a series of eight tournaments that make up the Sevens World Series. (dpa)