Image caption Jason Tovey is unable to play for the Cardiff Blues against Toulon on Saturday

A Welsh rugby star has had to pull out of an important match in France after his puppy chewed up his passport.

Jason Tovey, 23, was all packed and ready to go to the airport to fly to Toulon to play for Cardiff Blues when he found his ruined passport.

He said he was dreading telling his coach that he could not play in the Heineken Cup game on Saturday.

"It's a bit like the old schoolboy excuse that the dog ate my homework," he added.

The outside half's Labrador puppy Buster had even left his teeth marks on the passport, which now has gaping holes in it.

"Buster is always chewing things but usually it's my sock and shoes," said Tovey.

"As soon as I saw the passport I thought I'd never get through airport security with it.

Jason rang it to say what happened - he's in the doghouse Cardiff Blues spokesman

"I was dreading telling my team coach, I didn't think anyone would believe."

'Sharp teeth'

He was due to face England star Jonny Wilkinson's Toulon team but will instead have to watch the game on the television.

Tovey will also have to pay £103 for a new passport ready for his team's next match abroad.

He added: "I'll be keeping it on my top shelf - well out of the way of Buster's sharp teeth."