Young Monmouthshire rugby players were joined last Thursday (23rd August) by sporting hero Alex Cuthburt.

The Wales international player dropped in on the Shane Williams Academy, held on Monmouth School playing fields, to give some tips to the children and host a question and answer session.

The annual three-day course has been visited over the past two years by Shane Williams, and aims to give "an opportunity for children to learn through fun, creative and innovative coaching," said Shane.

This year's honourary guest told the boys of his admiration for the academy's founder. When asked who his favourite player was as a child Alex said, "you won't get a better player than Shane Williams".

About 50 boys attended the camp on Thursday, where they all received hands-on training from Alex.

The 22-year-old Welshman, originally from Cardiff, shared how he started playing rugby in school, and began to "take it seriously" only recently, at the age of 18. He then went on to play for Cardiff RFC before being selected for Cardiff Blues and later Wales.

When asked who is Wales' biggest competition, Alex admitted his respect for the New Zealand and Australian teams, before telling the boys that beating England and France lay as the highlight of his career so far.

A man of many talents, Alex played football and tennis before his rugby career kicked off, as well as a being a keen horseman. The winger would appear to be as comfortable in the saddle as he is on the pitch, previously showjumping extensively through his youth.

Not new to training camps, Alex attends many across Cardiff and South Wales.

"It is a good facility here, and it's good to reward the young players with events like this to get as many as possible playing the sport. The better the Welsh team do, the more children will hopefully want to do it."

"I came down to Monmouth a few days ago to kiak the Wye with the rest of the Blues team, and have been here to play school games too."

The international player spent time signing autographs and answering the children's questions before leaving them with the advice: "It is important to play all sports before you can pick the one you are best at.

"Work hard and train hard, you get out of life what you put in. When you get given an opportunity, go for it".