Whitchurch High’s World Stars, Warburton & Bale

As Bale took to the round ball game and earned himself a spot in the academy at Southampton, Warburton drifted towards rugby. He represented Cardiff Schools and Cardiff Blues Academy before finally winning his spurs with Wales, while Bale went on to play for Tottenham Hotspur and Wales.

Even Williams, who is still in charge of the first XV at Whitchurch High School, has to pinch himself when he reflects on a journey that has taken the Cardiff-born youngsters to the top of the sporting world.

“Not a bad success story is it?” suggested Williams, who was assistant head teacher at the school during the noughties. “Gareth and Sam were gentlemen off the field, but tigers on it”