SHANE Williams MBE, Wales’ most capped winger and British and Irish Lions player visited St John’s on-the-Hill School on Tuesday 7th November.

He gave an inspirational talk about his career and ran coaching sessions with the children to develop their rugby skills.

Williams had been told so many times that he was too small to play rugby. He knew he had to work extra hard to change this perception of him and when the chance came to play for Wales against New Zealand, he played the game of his life.

Williams said: “When I got the opportunity to play that day I felt 12ft tall. I was never dropped again from the Welsh team and just five years later was voted the best rugby player in the world. Work hard, believe in yourself and you can do anything. Make sure you do it with a smile on your face.”

Williams was said to be hugely impressed with the standard of rugby at St John’s and their unbeaten record this year. Never wanting to stand still, the school is working with local rugby clubs to encourage participation in the sport and will be hosting more skills days.