ONE hundred and fifty members of Monmouth Rugby Club met at The Old Court, Symonds Yat to celebrate their 150 years of existence playing rugby in the town, on Saturday, reports PETE WALTERS.

As well as enjoying an excellent meal and not a little drink, those present were entertained by no less than the Welsh Rugby icon, Shane Williams - the former World Player of the Year.

For one who initially preferred football because of his size, Shane told of how he had overcome such limitations and career ups and downs with a fund of anecdotes, some sad but mainly funny, being ultimately awarded the accolade of World Rugby Player of the Year in 2008.

Initially, Club President, Byron Hapgood commented upon the recent loss of their world famous patron, Eddie Butler - the former Wales captain and rugby commentator, writer and broadcaster – as a result of which the club, in collaboration with the male voice choirs of Monmouth and London Welsh are arranging a Gala Concert in aid of Prostate Cymru on February 24, 2023, just prior to the Six Nations Wales v England fixture.

Byron then went on to congratulate the 16 captains present at the 150th celebration, from the oldest (1968/69 season), Richie Wills, to the current Ed White, for their invaluable leadership over the years, as well as reflecting upon the effort made by so many to join the celebrations, travelling from as far afield as Scotland, Cornwall and even Australia!

Many others were mentioned and thanked: not least of all the various committee men over the years whose behind the scenes efforts had kept the club afloat.

The most enjoyable evening was rounded off by many implausible ‘true’ stories from the mouth of comedian Lenny Dee and people in the best of spirits boarded the bus back home