There were worrying scenes over the weekend as English back Sam James was left convulsing on the pitch after being knocked unconscious by a brutal hit.

The 30-year-old was in action for Racing 92 against Montpellier in the Top 14 when the sickening incident occurred, having been at the centre of a late push for a try. With his side 21-17 down heading into the final minutes of the match, the Parisian side made their way up the field, only for full-back James to knock the ball on.

But as the former Sale Sharks man went to ground, he was struck in the head by the arm of former Springboks centre Jan Serfontein, with the blow knocking him out cold. The game was then stopped by the referee as James received medical attention before being stretched off the field and rushed to hospital.

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Following the game, Racing scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec said his teammate had been convulsing on the field before being taken off, explaining: "He was unconscious and he convulsed. I’ve rarely seen a knockout like that.”

However, there was a positive update issued by Racing coach Dimitri Szarzewski, who said: “The news is reassuring. He has regained consciousness and the doctor is rather optimistic.

"Obviously, it’s quite impressive since he was unconscious on the ground for a while. But he should be fine."

While it was referred to the TMO, Serfontein escaped punishment for the hit, with referee Tual Trainini deeming the South African to not be at fault, due to the Englishman falling to the ground. No penalty was awarded either, with Racing's players left fuming as they lost the match 21-17.

“I don’t understand the decision either, to be honest,” said Le Garrec. “I’ll let people talk about it, but I’ve been watching rugby since I was little and I’ve rarely seen a match that ends with an action like that.

"Afterwards, I’m not in a position to judge on the spur of the moment, but when you see the state of our player on the ground, it raises questions. He was knocked out straight away and the match ended there. It’s a bit strange."

James - who made one appearance for England in an uncapped match against the Barbarians in 2017 - left Sale for Racing over the summer after 12 years with the Premiership side.