Groom-to-be injured in stag do rugby tackle recovers

Martyn Disney, left, was injured at half-time in the Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers match on Saturday

A groom-to-be has recovered after being tackled by his best man on the pitch at a rugby union match during his stag do.

The second half of Saturday's match between Newcastle Falcons and Leicester Tigers was delayed after medics from both teams were called to Martyn Disney's aid.

The 44-year-old from Leicester, who was dressed as Princess Jasmine from Aladdin at the time, was carried off the pitch on a stretcher after a heavy tackle by Sam Myring following the Falcons Flyer half-time race.

Mr Disney has since made a full recovery and will marry fiancee Michelle Anderson on Saturday.

He said: "My lovely friends took me out on a really great day out in Newcastle.

"A few beers were had, at half-time we did a bit of a thing and the best man decided to tackle me, and knocked me clean out."

The Tigers went on to win the match, but Mr Disney missed the second half.

Ollie Hassell-Collins scored the first try for Leicester

He said: "I woke up, I was in a panic because I was in head blocks, a spinal board, I thought: 'Where am I?'

"The Newcastle medical team and the Tigers medical team are second to none, I can't thank them enough."

Mr Disney was released from hospital the same day and has had no lasting medical issues from the incident.

He said: "My partner was quite concerned but she sees the funny side of it now.

"The wedding is still going ahead but I might need to change the best man because he's going to get a red card. He had to eat some humble pie."

A spokesman for Newcastle Falcons said the club was glad to hear Mr Disney had been discharged from hospital.

The spokesperson added: "The wedding is going ahead as planned, they are all in good spirits and are extremely thankful for the medical attention and well-wishes they have received."