Rugby referee Mathieu Raynal has sustained horrific injuries after being caught in a tangle with players.

Raynal was left with a double fracture of his tibia and fibula, a broken collarbone and a sprained left ankle after the collision in a French Top 14 fixture between Montpellier and Racing Metro.

A week after Australian based New Zealand referee Steve Walsh made headlines for shoving Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith out of his way in a match against the Reds in Brisbane, Raynal found himself too close to then action.

The extensive injuries have left him immobilised because he is unable to use crutches.

He also has no memory of the incident.

"Do not ask me how it happened, I do not really remember anything," he told The Independent.

"I am completely immobilised because I can't rely on crutches because of my broken collarbone. The doctors tell me that I could start walking and running in three months.

"Many players, coaches, managers and referees have called me to offer support.”

- © Fairfax NZ News