Great Britain success for Monmouth rowers

August 7, 2018

Jack impressed for Great Britain in the Coupe de la Jeunesse.

A Monmouth student and his coach helped Great Britain’s rowers to an outstanding overall victory in a prestigious European junior competition in Ireland.

Coach, Mr Paul Williams, and cox Jack, both from Monmouth School for Boys, represented GB at the recent Coupe de la Jeunesse in Cork.

The leading under-18 rowers from GB battled it out against 13 other European countries across 13 events.

Mr Williams coached the GB Junior Men’s coxed four crew, which included 17-year-old Jack to runners-up spots in two events.

The points achieved by the Junior Men’s coxed four crew contributed to the GB team retaining the overall title at the competition with Italy taking second place.

“The Coupe de la Jeunesse is the European Junior Rowing championships and selection to represent GB at this event was a major achievement, second only to being selected for the World Championships team,” said Mr John Griffiths, Master in Charge of Rowing at Monmouth School for Boys.

“Jack’s selection and also that of Paul’s is a testament to the huge commitment that Paul has given to our rowing club and also a recognition of the giant steps forward we have made this year.

“It is also an outstanding achievement for Jack who is entering the second year in Sixth Form and so has another year as a junior to come.”

In their first race, Jack and his crew raced superbly as they secured the silver medal behind an Italian crew, who clinched the gold, and Ireland in third place.

In the second race, the GB crew rowed strongly once again, finishing second behind the same Italian crew, with France taking third.

Mr Griffiths added: “We should be extremely proud of these selections as they continue to push Monmouth School for Boys in the top end of the best independent schools in the UK.”