A rugby player kicked an opponent so hard his face caved in, telling him: ‘Take that.’

John Scowby, 25, stood over David Smith, who had scored a try against his team, before delivering the horrific blow to the head.

He also told his victim: ‘I owed you.’

Derby Crown Court heard Mr Smith, 35, has been left disfigured by the attack last October 3.

John Scowby (pictured) stood over David Smith, who had scored a try against his team, before delivering the horrific blow to the head

He faces dental bills of £10,000 and has already had major surgery. In a victim impact statement, he said: ‘Everyone now associates me with my disfigured face and not the good player that I was.’

The incident took place during a match in Derby between Leesbrook Rugby Club, captained by Scowby at number eight, and Paviors, a team from Nottingham.

Sonal Ahya, prosecuting, said: ‘Without warning or provocation, the defendant kicked Mr Smith in the mouth, saying, “Take that”. One of his front teeth dropped out, there was blood everywhere, his gums and teeth were concaved.’

The incident took place during a match in Derby between Leesbrook Rugby Club, captained by Scowby (pictured) at number eight, and Paviors, a team from Nottingham

Derby Crown Court heard Mr Smith, 35, has been left disfigured by the attack last October 3

Scowby, a construction worker from Derby, told police it was an accident but later admitted grievous bodily harm.

Alwyn Jones, defending, said: ‘It was a moment of madness – out of character.’