Rugby player faces lifetime ban for kicking defenceless player

An Argentinean rugby union player faces a lifetime ban after viciously kicking a defenceless player in the head during a match.

Pucara flanker Cipriano Martinez was positioned in the defensive line when he suffered a complete brain snap and lashed out at San Albano second-rower Juan Masi.

On his hands and knees after crashing through the breakdown, Masi was completely exposed as Martinez struck him just under the chin with a violent kick.

The flanker was immediately shown a straight red card for the ugly incident while his victim, though surely dazed, reportedly escaped without any serious injury.

Martinez, however, could face further punishment with reports suggesting he could be slapped with a lifetime ban.