Nicholas Schonert will remember his visit to Twickenham for more than just the pleasure of playing on the hallowed turf that played host to the recent Rugby World Cup final.

WARNING: graphic content in story

The South African prop, who was playing for Worcester Warriors against Saracens, picked up a gut-churning injury after allegedly being struck in the face by a stray boot, with a cut on his left cheek so deep that it required 40 stitches.

He posted a picture of the injury on his Twitter account.

Patched up and looking completely different a little later, he acknowledged that the injury was accidental.

All cleaned up!! Was just unlucky but I know it wasn't intentional. Was such a privilege to play at twickenham😊 pic.twitter.com/AfnWkMLbhc — Nicholas schonert (@NickSchonert) November 29, 2015

It wasn’t the only major incident the 24-year-old was involved in. He clashed heads with Saracens captain Alastair Hargreaves inside the opening minute, forcing his opponent to leave the field.

And to make his day even worse, Worcester were thrashed 48-18.

Schonert left Super Rugby side the Cheetahs to play in England last year.