Footy players come together to support rival who suffered a horrific injury and was stretchered off

Rugby players have come together to support a rival after he suffered a horrific injury during a match.

Melbourne Rebels players gave support to Highlanders captain James Lentjes after he badly broke his leg on the first half of their match in Dunedin, New Zealand on Friday.

Lentjes was pushed away from the ruck as the Rebels made their way across the field, leaving him on the ground with his ankle facing the wrong way.

The kiwi captain could be heard screaming in agony as he lay immobilised on the sports field

‘Oh no, you don’t want to look at that people,’ commentator Justin Marshall said.

‘He’s in a lot of trouble and you can understand why referee Paul Williams has gone immediately to the medical team. Very unpleasant and we really feel for James Lentjes and hopefully they can really get his pain under control very quickly.’

Highlanders players made a huddle for their captain, while Rebels players approached the injured flanker as he was stretchered off the ground.

Fellow commentator Tony Johnson honoured the Rebels for their sportsmanship towards a rival player.

‘This is a sad way to see such a fine player leave the field James Lentjes and it’s great to see the Rebels, almost to a man coming across. This is great sportsmanship from the Melbourne Rebels,’ he said.

Two runaway tries to winger Andrew Kellaway have helped Melbourne to a thrilling first Super Rugby win in Dunedin, beating the Highlanders 28-22.

The loss was the first for the Highlanders at home to an Australian team since a 2014 defeat by the Western Force.

The Melbourne Rebels were praised by commentators for going over to see Lentjes off the field as he was carried out on a stretcher