The former Wales and British Lions rugby player John Taylor has officially opened the new Watford Grammar School for Boys Sports Pavilion.

The £1.2m pavilion at the end of Coningesby Drive, Watford, is named after Ernest Scott Household. Like Taylor, he was an “old boy” of the school who was an outstanding sportsman. He was killed in the First World War.

The opening ceremony was attended by descendants of E.S. Household, school staff and others, including Richard Harrington MP and Councillor Rabi Martins.

Demolition of the original 1960’s pavilion began last summer following successful bids to Sport England and the Government for the £1.2m funding necessary for the redevelopment of the building. The Watford Fuller Foundation also contributed to the project.

The new two storey pavilion comprises changing rooms on the ground floor as well as a function room with a viewing gallery on the second floor.

The school’s acting headmaster Mark Allchorn said: “This is the final milestone in what has truly been a very exciting project for the School and our partners.

“We hope this new facility will become a hub for outdoor sports in the area ensuring the long term future of sport in Watford.”