Ian Gough was born in Panteg (Pontypool) on the 10th of November, 1976.

He has been asthmatic since he was eight, but this has never stopped him from playing sport. He played rugby for District U11s, with fellow Newport player Dale Burn.

Ian played his schoolboy rugby at Llantarnam Comprehensive, and in 1995, at 6ft 4in & 14st 4lb he was selected for Welsh Youth U18. He later played for Wales U19 and Wales A, as well as Irish Exiles and Ireland U21, who he qualified for through an Irish grandfather.

In the summer of 1995, Ian travelled to Canada to play for Toronto Nomads.

Having also played for Newport youth sides, Ian rose through the ranks into the first team. He played wearing No 8 at Rodney Parade vs Blackheath on Saturday Aug 17th 1996 then No 4 in a friendly at Abercynon on Fri August 23rd 1996. He Made his official debut at home to Caerphilly wearing No 4 in a Welsh League match on Sat August 31st 1996 (A game which Newport Won 29-10).

He was voted 'Most promising player' and 'Players Player of the year' in 1997. In the same year, he turned down a substantial offer to join a London club, saying "I am very surprised by the offer, but I've got another 2 years under contract, and I'd even like to captain Newport". In 1997/8 he was 'Young player of the season', making 27 appearances.

During Wales' summer tour to South Africa in 1998, Gough gained his first Welsh cap, becoming the 964th Welsh player. He played his second game for Wales against Scotland in 1999.

At the end of the 1998/9 season, Newport were meant to be relegated to 1st Division (This did not happen because Cardiff and Swansea defected to play friendlies in England, therefore Newport took their place in the Premier Division) After having made 66 appearances and scoring 5 tries for Newport, Ian left the club to join Pontypridd. Whilst at Pontypridd, he gained 5 more Welsh caps. Before leaving Pontypridd, in the tradition of many Ponty players, Ian was immortalised as a Grogg by John Hughes!

Ian Returned to Newport in 2000/1. "It's a dream move back to the club where I grew up as a player. I am excited by the challenge and to have the opportunity to play alongside the likes of Gary Teichmann, Shane Howarth and Jason-Jones Hughes. The club is obviously very ambitious and I want to be part of that ambition"

In three seasons since returning to Newport (Sept 2000-May 2003), he played 68 times (exc. friendlies) at lock or back row, and scored 1 try. He also captained the side twice; in a league victory against Cross Keys in 2001, and Newport's last ever professional game against Neath in 2003. He helped Newport to win the WRU Challenge (Principality) Cup in May 2001, though dislocating his shoulder in the final at the Millennium Stadium.

In these three seasons, he also gained 13 more Welsh caps (scoring 1 try against Samoa), and was shortlisted for the Lions tour to Australia in 2001.

Unlucky with injury again, he damaged his back during a very wet, muddy league game at Ebbw Vale in March 2002, which forced him to miss the Wales v England international, the Welsh tour to South Africa, and many club games towards the end of the 2001/02 season. He was also out of action for the following seasons' opening club games, and the Autumn Internationals.

He was named in the Barbarians Squad to take on Leicester until his most recent serious injury, a badly damaged ankle sustained in a home Celtic League match against the Scarlets, put him out of rugby action for a few weeks

Ian made over 200 apperances for Newport and the Dragons, but left to join the Ospreys in 2007.

Now continuing his career gaining regular starts with the Ospreys, Ian has made the impact he was aiming for and has recently gained many more Welsh caps, earning his 50th during the 2008 Grand Slam.

Thanks to 'Sorcerer' for supplying some info on Ian's early Newport career.