FORMER Wales rugby captain and British and Irish Lions caption Sam Warburton was a special guest in Monmouth last week.

The former international spoke to pupils, posed for photographs and signed autographs, and met a fellow British and Irish Lion, John Bevan, who coaches the 1st XV at Monmouth School for Boys.

Teenager Harry Bettley, Monmouth School for Boys’ first-team rugby captain, is currently on the sidelines and was thrilled to meet his sporting hero.

And the sports students from Monmouth School for Girls also rubbed shoulders with the rugby legend.

“It was brilliant to hear Sam pass on his experience to the boys and girls from Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools who came along to listen to him and ask questions,” said Harry Bettley.

Around 70 people attended a special lunch organised by Aitch and Aitch Bee last Friday (16th November) at the Hitchcock Pavilion to raise money for Mental Health Research UK.

Harry, who lives in Trellech, added: “Sam spoke about his injuries. It was good to hear how he overcame them for so many years because I am currently injured. It is great to look up to Sam because he was such an influential player and remains an inspiration off the field.”