NEXT season’s 1st XV rugby captain and vice-captain at Monmouth School for Boys have been unveiled, reports IAN MORGAN.

Seventeen-year-old inside centre Oscar Watkins, and 16-year-old forward Otis Walker have been handed the respected leadership roles by Master in Charge of Rugby Coaching, Paul Morris.

Oscar, who hails from Hampshire, joined Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools in September.

Oscar has strong links to the area, with his father, Darren Watkins, a former pupil at Monmouth Comprehensive School and his grandfather living in Raglan.

Otis is a former student at Tockington Manor School near Bristol, and both boys are boarding in Weirhead House.

“Monmouth School for Boys offered me the chance and it has been beyond my expectations,” said Oscar, who has played for Welsh Exiles and is among a strong contingent from Monmouth who have represented the Dragons Academy. “I have loved every part of the rugby at Monmouth – the team environment, the way everyone wants to play the game and I am looking forward to next season. Hopefully, in my captaincy role I can bring a bit of experience and a cool head which will enable me to handle pressure situations on the field.”

Otis said: “Monmouth was perfect for my rugby development and I have played throughout from Year 9. I have enjoyed playing for school and I will look to have a good season next year. Rugby is a really big part of the school. We always draw crowds for home matches, I’m lucky to be a part of it.”