Posted on: Friday 21 November 2025
Former Welsh international rugby player Ian Gough joined other inspirational leaders at Croesyceiliog School to mark International Men's Day this week.
Ian, who played for Wales between 1998 and 2010, spoke to about 200 boys aged 11 to 15 about his rugby career, his business ventures, and his passion for flying planes.
He was part of a panel of speakers, which included entrepreneur and designer Kevin Mansell-Abell, Richard Selby, Managing Director at Pro Steel Engineering in Pontypool, and semi-professional footballer and entrepreneur Sam Richards.
The guest speakers talked about their motivations, successes, challenges and aspirations. They also touched on key traits for success, such as persistence, strong leadership and teamwork, before taking questions from pupils.
Year 10 pupil Finley, said: "I really liked how Sam mentioned that there are lots of different pathways to get where you want to be. It was great to get the chance to speak with role models who all have different careers.“
Year 8 pupil Leo added: "It was really inspirational. I learnt that if you believe, you can achieve. Ian Gough said that if you want to be something, then make it happen! I loved how Callum said that he wasn’t in the highest sets but really wanted to be a doctor so he worked hard and pushed himself and is now a surgeon."
Other members on the panel included Callum Smith, a former pupil at Abersychan School, who is a Junior Doctor practising at the Heath Hospital, in Cardiff, and Phil Davies, long standing Chair of Governors at Croesyceiliog School.
Headteacher Natalie Richards, said: "A huge diolch to our six incredible speakers for sharing their time, experience and insights as part of our International Men’s Day panel. Your voices sparked meaningful conversations and inspired our boys to reflect on the importance of self-belief, respect and team work as well as being positive role models”
Cllr Richard Clark, Torfaen Council's Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "Events like this show pupils what’s possible when they work hard and stay engaged in their education. These experiences can spark aspirations that last a lifetime, but they only happen if pupils are in school.
“That’s why our Not In, Miss Out campaign is so important. Every day matters, and missing school could mean missing out on moments that shape the future.”