Three people have been stabbed during a fight outside a Hamilton bar.

The multiple stabbing occurred about 1.30 this morning on Hood Street.

Police say an altercation between two groups has resulted in all three members of one group being admitted to Waikato Hospital with injuries, which police believe were caused by a knife or sharp object.

All three have since been discharged.

The offenders left in a blue Ford Falcon vehicle that was parked outside the Square Leg bar on Hood Street.

There has been a big police presence in Hamilton for the Rugby League World Cup match between Samoa and Tonga tonight after violent clashes between fans but a police spokeswoman said this assault was not linked to that.