Polo is often considered an elite sport only for royal princes, rich oil Sheiks, City gents and Katie Price.

But thanks to a thrilling blend of international polo matches, live music, food and wine tasting in one unique Argentine festival at The O2 Arena, this could all be set to change.

Gaucho International Polo will unite high-octane polo with music from Grammy award winners Bajofondo to produce something never seen before in Britain.

The casual event, aimed at introducing more Londoners to the sport, culminates in a titanic clash between IG Index’s England and Argentina, pitting Britain’s finest player Jamie Morrison against the David Beckham of polo, Nacho Figueras.

Jamie, captain of the England team, told the News Shopper: “Arena polo started in the States and my dad was over there in the 80s and saw it in Chicago.

“He thought it would be a great thing for us to play in the winter, and in 1989 the first arena was built in England.

“Arena polo is played in a team of three as opposed to four – it’s a completely different game.

“For someone who hasn’t seen polo before it’s more exciting and a bit more fun.

“You’re right up close in the arena – it’s really in your face.

“You can feel the power and see the skill.”

Jamie, 35, has been playing polo for 23 years.

He added: “I love everything, the whole sport, the horses, the skill – it’s a unique game.

“I love the team aspect, the people and the spirit, you get to travel and see the most amazing things.

“It’s a way of life.”

To Jamie, polo is far more exciting than most British sports fans’ favourite games of football and rugby.

He hopes playing in arenas will lead to more members of the public becoming enamoured with the game.

“You’ve got man and horse in tandem and it’s highly skilled.” He continued.

“It’s a sport that can only grow with it being played at such a major venue.

“It should be enjoyed and shared by more people.”

To those who believe polo is only for upper class, stunningly-dressed patrons, Jamie said: “It’s only the major events where people wear exciting outfits.

“Everyone just wears jeans and a t-shirt to watch most matches.

“It’s pretty down to earth.

“Give it a chance and it will be completely different to what people are expecting – they’ll want to come again.

“We are going to put on a show.”

A match between Ireland and Scotland takes place first at the event on Wednesday March 21, with tastings from Argentina’s finest wine producers going on throughout.

A charitable twist has been put on the night, with a pound being donated to the British Forces Foundation for everyone who arrives wearing white jeans.

The White Jeans Party has been inspired by polo enthusiasts like Prince Harry.

Tickets are available from £20 and doors open at 5.30pm with polo matches starting at 7.15pm.

For bookings visit theo2.co.uk