Double French joy for Monmouth rugby aces

September 23, 2019

 37 boys and five staff travelled to France for the rugby camp.

Two rugby teams at Monmouth School for Boys recorded impressive victories in a very successful training camp in France.

The 37 boys worked hard during the tour, which included a visit to the Marcel Michelin stadium, home of Top 14 winners and European Cup finalists, Clermont Auvergne.

The under-16s had a wonderful experience when they travelled to Commentry to play in front of a large crowd in an anniversary match in the foothills of Massif Centrale.

Playing a curtain-raiser for the host club’s 110-year anniversary, the boys ran out to smoke machines and music before renditions of the national anthems.

The under-16s were in no way overawed by the occasion and it inspired them to a comfortable victory.

The school’s 1st XV team had previously faced Clermont Cournon on the Friday evening. That was an excellent workout for the squad with Monmouth edging the match by four tries to three.

The Monmouth party, with five staff, including Wales and British and Irish Lions star John Bevan, were based at the Omni sports centre in the beautiful riverside town of Vichy.

The boys worked very hard with track sessions before breakfast and further sessions on the rugby fields.

Recovery took place at the Stade Aquataine, a large swimming complex overlooking Vichy, which boasted an outdoor 50m pool.

The squad enjoyed excellent hospitality throughout and made their way back to Lyon before heading home.

The tour was a triumph both on and off the field and a huge thanks to the staff who devoted their time and energy to making it such a success.

Monmouth School for Boys’ 1st XV.