Villagers in Papua New Guinea have attacked a man they believe used witchcraft to cause the death of the country's late rugby league star Kato Ottio.

The Kumuls player, who was 23, died in hospital earlier this month after collapsing during a training session.

The man suffered knife wounds after he was attacked by angry villagers from Tatana in the northwest of the PNG capital Port Moresby.

He had to be rescued by police who were also pelted by the villagers.

Source: RadioNZ