A MONMOUTH rugby legend has been nominated for a national lifetime award.

Former Wales and British Lions rugby star John Bevan has been nominated in the National Rugby Awards’ Lifetime Achievement category, with an award ceremony to take place at Twickenham later this year.

The award recognises those who have dedicated major parts of their lives to the sport of rugby, including playing, coaching and management.

The shortlist, which features five nominees including John, reads: “This award encapsulates all branches of our sport, including playing, coaching, administration, management or any combination of these skills.

“These nominees have devoted a major portion of their lives to the sport and deserve recognition for their efforts. The focus is on work and commitment, not necessarily success.”

John Bevan has had an illustrious career. Starting in rugby union, he played for Wales Schools, Wales under 15, under 19 and under 25s. Starting in the back row at under 15 level, he soon moved to the wing and won his first full cap for Wales in 1971 against England. John went on to gain nine more caps, touring with the British and Irish Lions to Australia and New Zealand in 1971 and representing the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1973.

September 1973 saw Bevan switch to rugby league and he joined Warrington, who he played with for 13 years. He made 332 appearances for the club in which he scored 201 tries. He also gained 15 caps for Wales RL, who he captained, and six caps for Great Britain.

John had been involved in coaching since the age of 21, so it was no surprise that he has also had success from the touchline. He began his coaching career in the north west, coaching with schools including St Arnolds, and was the first rugby league player to become a senior RFU coach.

In 1999, while head coach of the Wales team in the under 19s world championships, John’s side lost in the final to a New Zealand side that featured recently-retired captain Richie McCaw and Jerry Collins.

He joined Monmouth School shortly after, where he was master of rugby and housemaster until he retired this year.

There was success in Monmouth for John too, with him twice overseeing undefeated seasons for the first XV.

At the end of his teaching career, John remains humble and says he couldn’t do it without the support of others.

“We have always punched above our weight,” he says. “It’s always been the main part of my job to make that happen.

“I’ve been very lucky to have such support from everyone, in particular the teachers. It makes a difference when you have that enthusiasm.

“I can’t do it all myself, the boys have to do it too.”

Asked about his favourite memories, John is clear.

“The ones we’ve won!” he smiles. “I’ve been so lucky to have success but with Monmouth there are a few highlights, in particular wins over Milfield School and Bromsgrove School a couple of years ago”.

The 2014 season was a record-breaking one for Monmouth, as they went undefeated for the entire season.

The National Rugby Awards are designed to honour the achievements of all the thousands of rugby clubs across the country.

Being run for the second time, the 2016 Awards ceremony will be held at Twickenham and will be attended by rugby celebrities as well as members of England Rugby teams and Aviva Premiership players.