An international rugby star was flown to a crunch game by helicopter after his wife gave birth.

The chopper took off from Tonbridge School on Saturday morning, transporting prop Joe Marler to his side's Premiership semi-final clash with Bristol Bears.

The exclusive boarding school is near the 30-year-old's home and club Harlequins arranged the flight to allow him to spend as much time with wife Daisy, who gave birth to their fourth child on Thursday.

The rest of the team had headed up the day before.

Joe landed at North Bristol Rugby Club and was greeted by Quins' player welfare officer.

The England and Lions loosehead then took part in one of the greatest comeback victories ever.

Quins, who play at The Twickenham Stoop in west London, were trailing 28-0 after 30 minutes at Ashton Gate but miraculously came back in the second half to first force extra time and then beat the league leaders 36-43.

After the victory Joe, whose first club was Sussex side Eastbourne, travelled home in the helicopter.

Joe's trip was announced after the game on Instagram, where the club wrote: "Super Dad @joemarler17 wasn't going to miss the birth of his baby girl Still made the game in style though A special thanks to our friends at @tonbridgeuk and @n.b.r.f.c. #HappyFathersDay #COYQ"

Quins now travel to Twickenham on Saturday to contest the final with Exeter Chiefs.

Read more: All the latest news from Tonbridge