One Direction star Niall Horan has become embroiled in a Twitter spat with Welsh rugby star Mike Phillips.

The Midnight Memories singer clashed with Phillips after criticising the scrum-half when watching a Six Nations match between Ireland and Wales on Saturday (February 8).

After Phillips was sent off, Niall took to Twitter to write: "Mike Philips is like a child throwing his toys out of the pram!

"His attitude is terrible, looks like a right arrogant idiot."

The rugby ace then responded by inviting the Irish heartthrob to a Welsh training session, tweeting: "Come down to training in the week big boy.

"Bring the rest of The Beatles (One Direction) with you."

Irish player Rob Kearney later joined in on their war of words, supporting Niall by saying: "I've got your back", to which Horan replied: "Cheers pal! he's ragin sexto beat them on his right foot!"

Kearney later confirmed that their banter was "all a bit of Sunday fun" and that he and Phillips shared a drink together after the game.