FORMER rugby international Gareth Thomas visited a Forest school to inspire them to work hard to achieve their dreams and to take more exercise.

Gareth, who won 100 caps as full back, wing and centre for Wales, visited the Dean Academy in Lydney.

He spoke to students before pupils in Years Seven and Eight tried out tag rugby with Gareth as referee.

He said: "I go round schools working with the children on inspiration, motivation, equality and diversity and getting them involved in exercise.

"We've got children who've never tried rugby before and for me it's great because I like to work with children and try to help them understand things that are going to have an impact on their lives.

"I talked about aspiration and about thinking of the good characteristics they have which employers will look for.

"I've learnt a lot from my life experiences. I was successful in what I wanted to be but that wasn't just about rugby it came from a lot of other values too."