WATCH: Rolling brawl erupts during French rugby game

Rugby matches are known for being physical, uncompromising contests but a game in the Fédérale 1 at the weekend got completely out of hand.

The Nevers players were initially enraged by a dangerous-looking spear tackle from a Lombez-Samatan man (in red and white stripes), but both teams quickly lost all discipline.

Video from Tomasz Przechlewski.

The initial pushing and shoving evolved into a mass rolling brawl, with the players fighting their way from halfway to the 22 line and back again.

It took almost two minutes for the referee to regain control. When he did he sent off one from each side, presumably in order to avoid having to call off the match if he carded every player who deserved it.