ANGLESEY rugby hero George North paid tribute to his former Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern rugby coach after helping the British and Irish Lions to an historic 2-1 series win against Australia.

The 21 year-old has played a starring role in the Lions' first test series win in 18 years, scoring a stunning solo try in the first test, and adding another in the final test decider last Saturday which the Lions triumphed 41-16.

After the match, North was interviewed live on Sky Sports by former England international Will Greenwood, and was asked the name of the teacher who got him playing the sport.

North replied: "A guy called Keith Withers, back in Boded. Good guy. And from being at Llangefni and Pwllheli, to be here now seems pretty mental to be in a situation with the Lions and we've won 2-1."

Mr Withers, a PE teacher at Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern, watched the match at a friend's house but left before the post-match interviews began.

He said: "I didn’t see the interviews, but when I went home, my phone went wild with calls. I've since seen the video of it, and it was quite strange to see, and that's the reaction I've had from a lot of other people.

"As I've said before, I'm just one coach of many who have had the honour and the pleasure of coaching him."

Mr Withers, who was instrumental in the winger's development during his time at the school, believes it is the Wales international's work ethic which has made him one of the sport's leading lights.

He added: "He is one of the best in the world now, he's a superstar. And good luck to him. People might not know just how hard he works. Yes, he's big and fast, but he's worked unbelievably hard to get to that stage. He's being playing at that level for three years now, and he's still young.

"It's obvious he's still enjoying himself as well, and that's the thing I used to tell him when I was coaching him, and it's good to see he's still enjoying the game."