YOUNG sports stars spent a glittering awards night alongside former Wales and British Lions star Jamie Roberts.

The Monmouth School rugby 1st XV and girls' 1st XI hockey awards saw the rugby legend help hand out caps and trophies and inspire players with fascinating stories from his career – including memories of doing an A-Level in a hotel room in Mendoza at 4am while on tour with his team.

The school posted: "What a Night to Remember! We hosted a spectacular dinner for our 1st Hockey and Rugby teams, with the incredible Jamie Roberts as our guest speaker and host.

“The evening was filled with inspiring moments, exciting auctions, and well-deserved recognition for our players.

"Jamie shared fascinating stories, including how he completed his A-levels in a hotel room in Mendoza at 4am while pursuing professional rugby, proving that dedication and determination can achieve anything.

"Jamie also presented caps and awards to celebrate our players' hard work and dedication this season.

"The evening also featured an incredible auction, with both in-person and online bids for amazing prizes, including Izzy Webb Hockey Masterclasses and Leigh Halfpenny kicking masterclasses.

"Speeches by Monmouth School executive head Simon Dorman, Head of Senior School Rachel Rees and Lord Colin Moynihan – Chair of Governors – spotlighted the exciting future of sport at our school and thanked everyone for their continued support.

"A massive thank you to Jamie Roberts, all our guests, and everyone who made this unforgettable evening possible."

The evening was co-hosted the school’s Eddie Butler Sports Academy director and 1st XV coach, former Wales scrum-half Richie Rees.

Rugby awards went to:

Haberdashers Monmouth rugby players with their awards
Haberdashers Monmouth rugby players with their awards (Haberdashers Monmouth)

Harry Dawes – Hallam Amos Rugby Cup and Backs Player of the Year;

Nikolai Cherepanov – Richard Parks Rugby Cup and Forwards Player of the Year;

Brogan Leary – Eddie Butler Rugby Cup (Players' Player) and John Bevan Cup (Coaches' Player of the Year);

Dougie May - Wayne Barnes Rugby Cup (Try of the Season).

The hockey awards went to:

Monmouth School's hockey award winners with cups and caps
Monmouth School's hockey award winners with cups and caps (Haberdashers Monmouth School)

Grace F Ford – Players' Player;

Mali Price – Goal of the Season;

Millie Ryan – Unsung Hero.

The awards night followed an appearance at the school’s Blake Theatre by South Africa rugby legend Bryan Habana, on the eve of the Wales-Springboks game, where members of the 1st XV got to meet the star.

Bryan shared his journey as one of rugby’s greatest icons, winning 124 caps for South Africa in his career, scoring 67 Test tries, and securing a 2007 World Cup winner’s medal.

The evening featured a compelling discussion about his career highlights, insights on the current state of rugby, and much more.

The event’s second half gave the audience a chance to ask questions, further enriching an unforgettable evening for rugby enthusiasts.

A school spokesperson said: “In a special moment for the school, Habana met with the Rugby 1st XV before the show for an informal backstage chat.

“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gave students valuable advice and inspiration from one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.

“The event, organised in partnership with Aitch & Aitch Bee, left fans and students alike in awe, with attendees urged to book early for future opportunities like this.”

Old Monmothian and World Cup final referee Wayne Barnes was at the theatre in September, and former Wales and Lions skipper Sam Warburton is also there for ‘An Evening With...’ on Thursday, February 20, followed by old team-mate Ken Owens on Tuesday, May 13.