JUST before half term, nine boys accompanied by housemaster and 1st XV coach Gary Halpin and director of rugby James Reynolds spent the morning watching the British & Irish Lions’ final Wales-based training session at The Vale Resort.
In splendid sunshine the group enjoyed watching the Lions being put through their paces from warming up, physical conditioning through to their unit skills.
The warmth of the Lions shone through as they each took turn to sign autographs, chat with the boys and pose for photos. It was great for the boys to meet Sam Warburton, the captain, as well as players from the other nations such as Joe Marlor, Grieg Laidlaw and Rory Best. It was also a great opportunity for Mr Reynolds to catch up with one of his former pupils, Anthony Watson.
However, the connection with the Lions goes much deeper for Christ College. The College has a proud tradition of sport and in particular rugby union and its relationship with the Lions.
There have been nine Old Breconians represent the Lions and 10 when Jim Roberts (99-06) is counted for representing the Great Britain Paralympic Rugby team at the Rio Paralympics. Former Christ College pupils captained the Lions in 1904 and 1908 and two players have been on more than one tour. Edward “Teddy” Morgan (1892-99) who captained two Lions test matches in 1904 is also credited with being the first to lead his team in singing the Welsh National Anthem in response to the New Zealanders’ haka in the victorious 1905 match.
One of the many strengths of Christ College is the diversity of activity and how well it supports its pupils. Dozens have represented their country at many sports and at schools and senior level including 22 rugby internationals.
Kieran Marmion (03-08) is the latest as he represented Ireland in the 2017 Six Nations campaign as well as Jim Roberts currently a member of the Great Britain wheelchair rugby squad.