OO and current President of the Rugby Club, Ayoola Erinle (Class of '98), was the guest speaker at the recent end-of-season dinner.

The former England international, who won four Premiership titles and a European Cup during a career where he featured predominantly for Wasps and Leicester Tigers, gave an impassioned talk explaining the importance of role models.

He explained: "I was lucky enough in my time at the prep school to have the Headmaster Dave Sexon, an absolute legend of a man.

"I saw him as a real father figure alongside my dad, and looking back it shows the importance of having good voices in your lives. 

"He was a complete rugby nut, and he must have seen something in me which I didn't myself - I tried to get out of it, my mum tried to get me out of it, but he said: 'No!'

"He guided me and gave me that voice and encouragement which is so important."

Ayoola, who also mentioned the role faith plays in his life, continued: "When I was at Wasps and pretty new on the scene, I was sat in the changing room and you had the likes of Craig Dowd, Lawrence Dallaglio, Josh Lewsey, all these ridiculous stars you've grown up looking up to.

"I was so nervous, but it went onto be a changing point in my career. It was Northampton Saints away and Craig got up and said: "Look, we know you're a good player, you wouldn't be here if you weren't. Now go out there and enjoy yourself.

"I played the best I ever had an felt a weight come off my shoulders thanks to the kind and inspirational words of a man I looked up to. It was life-changing.

"For older people it's so important to say the right things, but also for younger ones, to get the right mentors around you. It can make a huge difference in someone's life."

The former centre, who played against both Australia and New Zealand for his country, now works as a marine engineer for the Ministry of Defence and saved his last musings to give a toast.

He ended: "Finally, make the most of your chances - I'm 44 now and there's many things I'd have loved to have done which I can't now. Embrace life, it's enjoyable.

"To The Oratory, a wonderful institution creating wonderful men and now wonderful women."

Captain Cian Tappan and second row Charlie Burton took the top two awards with the former claiming the Paul Keddie Shield for outstanding performance.

Second row Charlie won the Tom Hennessy Shield for demonstrating the values of the school and rugby club, while the MacRae Award – donated by the family of current Rams’ hooker Morgan to recognise the leading Lower Sixth performer – went to Rudi Derbyshire.

The Captain’s Cup was awarded to hooker Caspar Kieran and the 2nd XV Player of the Season to Hugo Cassar.