HABERDASHERS’ Monmouth School hosted a Dragons RFC’s intensive pre-season training camp, making full use of the school’s world-class Eddie Butler Performance Centre.

One of the sessions also welcomed Cardiff RFC, bringing together two of Wales’s leading professional rugby teams.

The Eddie Butler Performance Centre, named in honour of distinguished alumnus Eddie Butler, is a cutting- edge hub for high-performance sport.

Equipped with elite-standard strength and conditioning equipment, the facility includes:

This advanced set-up allowed the Dragons to target anaerobic conditioning with a combination of weights and high-intensity interval training. The centre highlights HMS’s commitment to sporting excellence, health, and well-being.

The training block was organised by Richie Rees, Director of Sport Academy and Rugby. Having transitioned from Cardiff Rugby, Rees brings extensive experience in player development and coaching.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Ritchie Reese said: “It’s brilliant for us as a school to have two of the four professional teams in Wales using our facilities. It’s a massive endorsement of our outstanding sports provision.

“Whether in the swimming pool, the new Eddie Butler Performance Centre, or out on the pitches. We are proud to support all our sporting students, from the most hesitant to th highest performing.”

Rees spoke of his vision for the Sports Academy, including performance pathways and the development of a new girls- rugby sevens programme, strengthening opportunities for both boys and girls in sport.

Former HMS students Dai Richards and Oli Woodman reflected on their time at the school, sharing how the strong alumini legacy in Welsh rugby motivated them.

Both highlighted the school’s support in their journey to playing for the Dragons and aspiring to international rugby honours.

Their stories emphasise the aspirational culture at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School where their new facilities and expert coaching inspire students to achieve at the highest levels of sport.