Rugby brawl erupts just feet away from fans as Wales star forced to intervene

As the new league season kicks off this weekend, English clubs could have been excused for not being as fired up in the PREM Rugby Cup matches preceding it. However, the intensity was palpable, with Welsh star Louis Rees-Zammit facing boos, scoring a try, and then being sent off for brawling against his former team, Gloucester.

Bath Rugby and Exeter Chiefs followed suit with equal ferocity, as their match at The Recreation Ground spiralled into chaos. A bundle of players got stuck into each other on the sidelines, with England's Ethan Roots seen putting a Bath player in a headlock as others rushed in to join the fray.

Even Welsh forward Christ Tshiunza had to step in, trying to diffuse the aggression that unfolded right in front of the spectators. The drama unfolded just 30 minutes into the game, following a charged down kick. Great Britain Sevens star Austin Emens picked up the deflected ball, only to be brutally tackled into touch by Chiefs' lock Rusi Tuima.

TNT Sports co-commentator Austin Healey was quick to point out Tuima's failure to wrap in his tackle, suggesting a potential sending off. This incensed the Bath players who promptly joined the melee.

"The first proper skirmish of the 2025/2026 season!" declared TNT Sports commentator Alastair Eykyn as players dove into the action. See the footage below.

Following consultation with TMO Dan Jones, referee Craig Maxwell-Keys issued a yellow card to Tuima. Despite there being no contact with the head, it was deemed a failure to wrap properly. "It's a massive shot, but you have to make an attempt to wrap that arm around," explained co-commentator Ben Kay.

Chiefs went on to secure a 23-14 victory in the encounter amid dreadful weather conditions at The Rec. Italian scrum-half Steven Varney, who is Welsh-born and recently joined Chiefs from Vannes, claimed the player of the match honour.

In a rather unusual incident, Varney crossed the line from the rear of a rolling maul involving a considerable pile of players. Speaking to TNT Sports' Sarra Elgan, Varney discussed receiving the award.

"It's massive for us," explained Varney. "We wanted to come here to win, Bath made it really tough for us.

"I know they had a young squad out, but they did very well. They put us under a lot of pressure, especially in the rubbish conditions. It was a good win."

The 24-year-old was subsequently asked to describe his try as footage was shown to him.

"The boys are doing well to be fair, driving us forward. I just joined the back and (Joseph) Dweba just gave me the ball randomly so I just jumped over the top. First maul try ever, I think, from a half-back!". In recent years, the Chiefs have boasted a strong Welsh presence.

Despite being an Italian international, Varney was raised in west Wales and will feel quite at home with the Premiership Rugby team, which includes Christ Tshiunza, Dafydd Jenkins and Dan John.

Joe Hawkins, who had previously been part of the Chiefs squad, has since returned to Welsh rugby with Scarlets. He joined the west Walian side earlier this summer and is now aiming for a recall to the national team, now that he is once again eligible.