Niall Horan
Singer Niall Horan of the band One Direction didn't back down when confronted by Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips Reuters

On paper it might not look an even contest - One Direction singer vs Wales rugby player.

But that didn't stop pop star Niall Horan from stoking the flames with Welsh scrum-half Mike Phillips.

The pluky Irishman tweeted 16-stone Phillips following Ireland's 26-3 hammering of Wales saying:

@NiallOfficial: "Mike Philips [sic] is like a child throwing his toys out of the pram! his attitude is terrible, looks like a right arrogant idiot"

But the defeated Welshman did not take to the criticism laying down, and replied:

@mikephillips009: "come down to training in the week big boy. Bring the rest of The Beatles with you."

But the 1D man stood his ground, later tweeting:

@NiallOfficial: "@mikephillips009 cool story big fella! only go and watch good rugby teams anyway so no thanks ! #wanabeestevejones "

One Direction tweet
Niall Horan sticks the boot into Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips Twitter

Niall Horan vs Mike Phillips: how they match up

Height:

NH: 5ft 8

MP: 6ft 3

Weight:

NH: 11.5 stone

MP: 16 stone

Profession:

NH: Globally famous One Direction singer

MP: Wales and Racing Metro scrum-half

Did you know:

NH: According to the Sunday Times Rich List, by April 2013 they had an estimated personal combined wealth of £25 million

MP: Phillips is Wales's most capped scrum-half

Finishing move:

NH: Ear-piercing shriek

MP: Dump tackle

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