A video has been released showing the moment a rugby match between the British and French Navy erupted into a mass punch up on the field.

The footage, posted to YouTube by user ZACHAYUS1, shows play interrupted by clashes between the rival teams. Players from the Royal Navy, in grey, and the Marine Nationale, in blue, can be seen trading blows and grappling with one another as the match in Toulon descends into violence.

Substitutes from either side also rush in to join the fight, with fists flying for a minute before officials finally manage to disperse the two teams.

The brawl took place in Toulon on 23 March as part of an annual contest since 2005 between the two navies known as 'Le Crunch'. After the fight dissipated, the match continued with the French Navy triumphing 28-6.