AN Old Monmothian has become the youngest rugby player to start for Bristol Bears in a Premiership fixture.

Joe Jenkins, 19, played at centre for Bristol against Saracens in the top-tier of English rugby at Ashton Gate last week.

The former Monmouth School for Boys pupil wore the No 13 jersey and played for 70 minutes in Bristol’s 25-10 home loss.

And he followed that up with a starring role in an Anglo-Welsh 31-12 friendly win over visitors Cardiff Blues on Friday night, scoring a try.

He said of his selection for the Saracens game: “I didn’t know it was going to happen, so I was sort of sat there wondering what the team was going to be.

“And then I popped up on the screen and I thought ‘ooh’. The first thing was quite a lot of shock, and some of the boys spun around shocked as well and just looked at me.

“Then everyone’s congratulating me. It was quite a nice feeling, but initially shock as well because I didn’t know it was happening.”

He added: “It was really good to see, I felt buzzing about it.

“Some of the older players were helping me, different lines to run, where to go, that just sort of eased me into it, and then they were just making sure you knew your stuff.

“As we built up towards game day (I was) feeling more comfortable.

“I had a good amount of my family down, family and friends, they came down to watch and it was really good to run out in front of 20,000 people there.

“I’ve never played in front of that many people before.

“And my family were all really proud that I was getting a go in front of all the home fans, it was a really good day for us all.”

Joe was last season’s 1st XV vice-captain at school, having cut his rugby teeth with Hereford RFC.

He made his debut for Bristol earlier this year in a pre-season game against the Dragons at Rodney Parade in Newport, following that up with a fine performance for Bears in the Premiership Cup against Exeter Chiefs.

Paul Morris, Master in Charge of Rugby Coaching at Monmouth School for Boys, said: “It was fantastic for Joe to make his first start for Bristol in the Premiership.

“To make things even more special, Joe created club history in the process.

“The biggest compliment I could pay Joe is that he looks very much at home in this top-class environment.

“He is an outstanding ambassador for rugby at Monmouth School for Boys and we all wish him continued success in the sport he loves.”

Meanwhile, last year’s school 1st XV captain Theo Mayell has found a new home in the wake of the Worcester Warriors collapse, at North Wales Welsh Championship club RGC.

The talented 18-year-old back-rower made his senior Warriors debut in September against Gloucester only for the club to go into administration the following week.

RGC head coach Ceri Jones previously worked with Theo at Monmouth School and said he was delighted to welcome him to the club.

And he made a flying start, powering over to score a try on debut in RGC’s 27-13 win over Bridgend in Colwyn Bay.

Ceri said: “Theo is someone I know from his time at Monmouth School, and he is a great addition to our group.

“From Theo’s perspective, it’s great to have him up here after what went on with Worcester Warriors.

“He is a player that can play all across the back row and gives us some options and adds competition for places in the starting squad.

“After coming up to North Wales to see the training and set up, Theo is looking forward to getting out and playing some rugby for RGC,” he added.

Theo said: “I’m really excited for the opportunity to play in a different league, and get stuck in when I get the chance.

“It should be a great experience and good for some personal development as well as hopefully helping the team out.”