A SOLDIER proposed to his girlfriend in front of over 8,000 people at a rugby match.

Freddie Hobbs asked Jess Vernalls to marry him at half-time in the Worcester Warriors match against Exeter Chiefs, on Saturday, February 19.

Soldiers from 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, Mercian Regiment and 11th Signal and West Midlands Brigade, were at the event as part of the 'Military Matchday' at Sixways Stadium.

The Mercian Regiment’s mascot, a ram called Private Derby, also attended, along with army equipment and a military band.