Harlequins have become the first rugby league side to ban vuvuzelas from their ground.

The instruments have become a symbol of the South African World Cup - but some fans have been critical of the noise they make.

The Harlequins acted after some supporters took horns to their recent home clash with Leeds.

Chief executive Paul Blanchard said: "We have to consider the players and ensure they can hear each other and the referee's signals.

"Also, as anyone who has been watching the World Cup will attest, vuvuzelas completely block out the sound of cheering and singing."

The move follows several other venues, including the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and AFC Wimbledon, in banning the noisy horns.