A rugby player who had been offered a chance to play professionally is suing a holiday company, claiming that the salmonella poisoning he contracted during a trip abroad left his dream in tatters.

Scott Bessant, 25, took his 36-year-old wife Leanne to the Summer Island Village resort in the Maldives with Cosmos, but they both fell ill two days into the break.

The couple claim that the hotel was unclean and that they were left without water after the supply was cut off, even though many people were suffering from the same illness.

After Mr Bessant returned home, it was revealed that he had salmonella, which he still suffers from.

However, his illness and subsequent weight loss meant that he was unable to train with rugby Super League side Celtic Crusaders and he claims this led to him missing out on a "once-in-a-lifetime chance" to win a place in their training squad.

He is now among a group of holidaymakers taking legal action against Cosmos for the food poisoning contracted during the stay at Summer Island Village resort.

Cosmos declined to comment while the cases are going through the legal process.

British tourists who suffer from an accident, personal injury or food poisoning while on holiday can sue their tour operator provided that the holiday was a package which included travel and accommodation.