A school rugby master is to be presented with a national award for his dedication to the sport.

Welshman Keith Jones moved to Woodhouse Grove School in 1978 when he was 23. Since then he has been the driving force of rugby at the Apperley Bridge school.

This year the school has lifted the Daily Mail Trophy and won a place in the national final of the School Sport Magazine.

A school spokeswoman said: “The school has had a phenomenal rugby season, some even calling it the most successful in the school’s history, but the most important individual achievement to us is the recent announcement that Keith has been awarded the Real Rugby Heroes Award 2014 by the England Rugby Football Schools’ Union.

“He will be presented with the award on Saturday, March 29, at Twickenham by the President of the ERFSU.

“At the Grove we have always known that Keith was a hero but it is fantastic that his dedicated work and immense contribution to rugby has been recognised.

“‘JK’ has made rugby at the Grove what it is today and all our staff, pupils and former pupils are immensely proud and grateful for all that he has achieved over the years.”

Roger Howard, director of sport and partnerships at the school, said: “An indefatigable servant to Woodhouse Grove, Keith has been an inspiration to generations and is a very worthy recipient of this award.

“He is a fine example to all players and coaches, with his commitment, enthusiasm and expertise. He epitomises everything that is good in the game.”

Former England rugby player and Woodhouse Grove old boy, Paul Sampson , said: “He is worthy of every accolade he receives and he has been a unique asset not just to me personally but to the thousands of students he had an impact on over the years. He has done a magnificent job.”