Lions captain Sam Warburton revels in special 48 hours for himself and Tottenham forward Gareth Bale

The pair went to the same school in Wales

Warren Gatland and Sam Warburton (GETTY IMAGES)

Sam Warburton expects Whitchurch High School to be beaming with pride after he and his former school mate Gareth Bale enjoyed a momentous 48 hours.

Warburton was yesterday named captain of the British and Irish Lions for their summer tour of Hong Kong and Australia.

The announcement came less than two days after his former school-mate Bale, who also attended Whitchurch in Cardiff, scooped the PFA's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards at a ceremony in central London.

Being a Tottenham fan, Warburton was delighted to see his compatriot win the double award.

The Cardiff Blues flanker said: "It's great for Whitchurch. It is great to see Gareth doing so well.

"To see him playing for my favourite club and be doing so well. He has taken to the world stage.

"To win PFA player of the year doesn't surprise me. He was an amazing athlete in school and he deserves all the success he is having, and I am sure Whitchurch are very proud."

Warburton regularly visits his former school to give coaching classes to the students, who were "buzzing" with pride and excitement yesterday upon hearing that the 24-year-old had been appointed Lions skipper.

"You have to sit down and smile at what's happened," said Whitchurch PE teacher Gwyn Morris, who has also taught Olympic cyclist Geraint Thomas at the comprehensive.

"It's not often that you have a former pupil who wins not one but two PFA awards, and the British Lions captain within the space of a 48 hour phase. It's special for the school and I am immensely proud.

"It's phenomenal. We had to pinch ourselves this morning.

"Now the kids have Olympic medallists, Premier League footballers and not only the captain of Wales, but also of the British Lions to look up to.

"There is a major buzz around the place at the moment. My GCSE group, that I was out with this morning, were all saying 'Sir, he's captain'."

PA