RUGBY superstar Shane Williams gave schoolchildren reason to believe they can achieve their dreams when he gave an inspirational talk about his career and ran coaching sessions.

The former ‘World Player of the Year’ dropped into St John’s on-the-Hill School last week to deliver a rugby skills day.

And the pint-sized winger told pupils that if he had listened to all the people saying he was too small to play international rugby, he would never have won 87 caps for Wales, let alone one.

He knew he had to work extra hard to change this perception and when the chance came to play for Wales against New Zealand in 2000, he played the game of his life.

“When I got the opportunity to play that day I felt 12ft tall. I was never dropped again from the Welsh team and just five years later was voted the best rugby player in the world.

“Work hard, believe in yourself and you can do anything. And make sure you do it with a smile on your face,” he said.

Shane’s visit took place on Tuesday, November 7, and the flying wing, who helped his village team Amman United to National Bowl victory at the Principality stadium earlier this year at the age of 40, has promised to return to the school.

The 10-times capped British Lion was hugely impressed with the standard of rugby at St John’s and was amazed by their unbeaten record this year.

He also took time out to chat with the children and sign shirts and rugby balls for them.

Never wanting to stand still, the school says it is working with local rugby clubs to encourage participation in the sport and will be hosting more skills days to further enhance the “excellent” standard of rugby at St John’s.