The English Premiership match between Bristol and Northampton was halted for 10 minutes after England international Benhard Janse van Rensburg was knocked unconscious following a tackle on Henry Pollock.
Van Rensburg's head collided with the Northampton flanker's knee late in the first half, leaving him motionless on the turf as concerned opposition players screamed at the referee to stop the match.
Medics rush to the field
Medics rushed onto the field to attend to the centre as players from both teams gathered amid huge concern.
Broadcaster TNT Sports refused to show a replay of the incident, describing it as unsuitable for viewers.
Player carried off on stretcher
The game was stopped for a prolonged period as medics secured the player's neck before he was carried from the field on a stretcher to the sound of a standing ovation.
Pundit Sam Warburton said: "Fair play to van Rensburg, he flew off the line but his head caught the knee of a Saints carrier (Pollock). I hope he is ok."
Lead commentator Nick Mullins told viewers: "We're hearing the replay is absolutely not one that we want to be sharing with you. It's not good."
Match details and update
The incident happened with Bristol leading 15-7 shortly after a try from Louis Rees-Zammit, although Saints pulled one back on the stroke of half-time to make it 15-14.
During the break, presenter Ugo Monye updated viewers, saying: "An update on van Rensburg. We saw upsetting pictures of him leaving the pitch. He is currently conscious and talking and we wish him all the best."
