THE children and staff at Trellech Primary School had a surprise visitor last week when, Newport captain and former Springbok skipper, Gary Teichmann dropped in.
The school was having one of its fortnightly visits from Newport Rugby Club's innovative Gateway Rugby project which is doing so much to support the primary and comprehensive schools of Newport and Monmouthshire.
Rugby legend Teichmann was in attendance to help the scheme's community development officer, Alun "Archie" Evans, deliver the school's latest Gateway Rugby session.
Headteacher Mrs Linda Beavan said: "Gary was marvellous with the children and nothing was too much trouble for him. He may be one of the biggest names in world rugby but the way in which he interacted with all the children was so down-to-earth. One of our pupils, George Lewis from Class 3/4, couldn't believe it when he was paired with Gary for some of the skills drills - I'm sure it's a moment he will remember for a very long time".
Mrs Beavan added: "The Gateway Rugby scheme really is giving the children a superb introduction and enthusiasm for sport. They are having top-class fortnightly coaching, seeing Newport's rugby stars on a regular basis, and being made to feel very special by having such a fuss made of them. I cannot speak highly enough of the scheme's community development officer, Alun Evans who is very professional. He delivers high quality sessions and has built superb relationships with the children that allow him to get a very powerful behavioural message across that will aid the children in their future lives".
After the session the children queued for Gary to autograph their school bags, pencil cases, rugby jerseys, as well as Newport match programmes. Then it was into a photo-shoot where each of the pupils had their photograph taken, one-on-one, with the South African superstar.
The last photo taken, a still-smiling Gary told The Beacon: "Trellech know how to make a guy feel really welcome! Archie and I had a great time with the kids. Their skill levels were fantastic and they coped very comfortably with even the most difficult drills.
"I was also very impressed with how well behaved they were because self-discipline, whether in sport or in any other walk of life, is so important. Gateway Rugby has given us the platform from which to positively influence thousands of young lives and I for one, fully support Newport Rugby Club's effort to do all it can for the community it serves".
With the session over, it was back to "normal school" for the youngsters of Trellech Primary - until the next time that is - and thanks to Gateway Rugby the next time is just a fortnight away.