Punishment looms over wild French rugby brawl

Two players are facing suspension after a fierce all-in brawl that has thrust two third-tier French rugby sides into the world spotlight.

Nevers and Lombez-Samatan were doing battle in France's Federale 1 division when a Nevers player was driven head-first into the ground by Lombez-Samatan blindside flanker Hugues Bastide with a horrendous spear-tackle.

A resulting push and shove over the incident quickly escalated into a fierce fight as players from both sides exchanged blows.

When the brawl finally stopped, the referee bizarrely chose to send-off just two players, Nevers' Samoan outside back Fa'atoina Autagavai, along with Bastide.

Both players are facing further sanction over the incident.