Old Monmothian Eddie Butler has been a British Lion, Welsh captain, Pontypool number eight, Cambridge Blue, journalist, rugby pundit and TV documentary maker.

Now the 57-year-old – who won 16 caps for Wales between 1980 and 1984 – can add the title ‘published novelist’ to his long list of achievements.

And Dr Steven Connors, Headmaster of Monmouth School, has recommended the OM’s new book, The Head of Gonzo Davies, as the perfect stocking filler.

The novel, published by Gomer Press, tells the story of a fictional former Wales star, Gonzo Davies, and how he got his name.

Dr Connors said: “I am sure your thoughts will be turning to present buying and Christmas stockings, so can I recommend a great Christmas present with a Monmouth connection in the shape of Old Monmothian Eddie Butler’s debut novel.

“’The velvet voice of international rugby’ has just published The Head of Gonzo Davies, where he tells the tale of an ex-Welsh rugby international who returns to his struggling village club, little knowing that he is embroiled in a darker, more troubling world than that of mere rugby football.

“The novel is a great read which takes us from modern-day Millennium Stadium professionalism back to the amateur days and the decline of Welsh heavy industry, and even further back to pre-World War Two valley life.”

Eddie’s book is available to buy from Amazon for £8.99.