Beach rugby tournament erupts into violence

A beach rugby tournament in Wales has erupted into violence as two brawls broke out.

Police and security had to enter the field to break up the two fights, which involved up to 18 men grappling and throwing punches.

Event director Gareth Howells was quick to defend his Beach Rugby Wales tournament.

"There were 600 players playing and there were two small incidents in 70 matches. In Welsh leagues you get that every weekend. We are not condoning it and we have banned the teams.

"The teams were thrown out and will not be allowed back

"We are not condoning it, but it is very frustrating. It has been blown out of all proportion. Myself and Ashleigh Walters, who founded the event, struggled to put it all together.

"Security staff were brought in by us for crowd safety and police were there watching. There were no arrests.

"There were 70 matches played and two fracas. You get more fracas in fewer matches every weekend in the season, but there are no cameras at grass roots level. It is the power of social media.

"We are not condoning it, and the referees stopped the matches and dealt with them."

Watch the incident in the video player above.