FORMER British and Irish Lion and boys' school rugby coach, John Bevan, is officially "ready for Christmas" after an incredible season saw his 1st XV team achieve a flawless set of results.

The Master of Rugby at Monmouth School has watched his "fearless" players endure an exhausting season of highs and lows to ultimately emerge victorious in 100 per cent of their school fixtures.

Their success comes despite losing team captain, Lloyd Phillips, to injury at the end of the first game, along with centre, Ed Lewis.

Presently, the school lies in fourth position nationally in the Daily Mail's Schools Rugby Trophy, having most recently beaten Bromsgrove, Blundell's, Marlborough, Cheltenham and Millfield Schools.

Monmouth also remains unbeaten in the NatWest Schools Cup, having reached the last 32 following the team's victory against Stowe School.

John said: "I have been coaching for 40 years and never seen a defensive

display from a school boys' side like this.

"It has been amazing. They weren't phased or upset by the reputations of schools like Millfield who have national players on the team – whatever was in front of them, they knocked down.

"Their commitment to defence meant that very little got through and they never gave up.

"They take pride in each other's performances and never criticised anybody – it sounds clichéd, but they have a very good team spirit.

"When things got tough and they were down, they all dug in and supported each other."

John described losing two of the team's best players at the start of the season as an "expensive" blow.

He added: "That was a real low point – it was a pretty devastating and expensive first game.

"It's a good job we had a lot of points on the board anyway.

"I really felt for the lads – it's their last year in the school.

"I thought we would struggle after that, but the boys really stepped up.

"The main reason we won was down to the tackling.

"It was fearless and I can't think of anyone who shirked a tackle – those schools must be really frustrated they

didn't beat us but they couldn't cross our line.

"Venji John, Owen Hughes and Tom Thorley made for a formidable front row.

"They were so strong, the technique was superb and they were resilient – they just live for scrummaging."

Henry Sawyer and Ben Watts, who together weigh in at over 200kg, played their weight throughout the

season and Callum Sanders was named Player's Player of the Season.

"Lewis Johnson was the communicator," said John.

"And Hywel Rose and Ed Harper, the youngest players, never looked out of place."

One parent, Tom Sawyer, was so thrilled with the season, that he was moved to write to John, saying:  "The wins in the last seven days stand testimony to the boys' resilience and spirit.

"They were utterly fearless and the unrelenting vigour of their defensive game will live long in the memory.

"Their unity, selflessness and pride shine through; they do you great credit."

But the thrilling season has taken its toll on the proud coach.

John added: "I was never this tired when I was playing – I've been like a zombie after some of the games.

"I and co-coach, Paul Morris, feel we are definitely ready for

Christmas."