INTERNATIONAL rugby stars Phil Bennett, Robert Howley and Neil Jenkins were welcomed to Monmouth Rugby Club on Friday as the club's special fundraising dinner guests.

The Welsh trio met up with players and dignitaries at the clubhouse for the pre-meal reception, before the party of more than 100 people moved on to Monmouth School, who provided excellent catering.

Bennett, guest speaker for the night, entertained the crowds at the expense of any Englishmen in the audience. Also on hand to lighten the mood was TV comedian Mick Miller.

An auction was also held to boost club funds with the "bargain" of the night, according to club secretary Pete Walters, a signed and framed Gareth Edwards shirt selling for £320.