12th Jan 2026
Join us as we speak with former pupil, Iain Monaghan, to reflect on their memories, achievements, and how the school helped prepare them for the future.
Name: Iain Monaghan
Time period as a pupil at Belmont House: 1985 – 1998
Current Occupation: Assistant Coach – Rugby Canada
How did your time at Belmont House School shape your career path?
I have always felt confident for a challenge as we were a small student population. I was very proud of my friends and myself and representing the school. This allowed for strong relationships and communication to be encouraged and developed which are at the forefront of my working and personal life today. I really enjoy leading and working also in a team and this was encouraged at the school. I have many fond memories. I really value people culture and learning.
Can you share a key moment or memory from your time at Belmont that had a lasting impact on you?
I studied Applied Sports Sciences at Edinburgh University. I pursued professional rugby playing in Scotland and in Italy 1999-2008 Alongside this I worked for Scottish Rugby 2002-06. I moved to play/coach in Italy 2006-09. I returned to Scottish Rugby as Elite Development Coach for Glasgow Warriors, overseeing academy players into senior professional players and did this from 2009-2019 Approx. I married Sarah 2018. Bit the bullet and joined Hong Kong Sports Institute to to head up the national women’s 7s programme 2019-2023. 2023, I joined Rugby Canada based out of Vancouver Island. My son Arthur John Monaghan was born summer of 2023. I work as assistant coach in the national women’s 7s and 15s team. The school instilled confidence in myself to be the master of my own destiny. Win, lose, fail fast and learn and get back on task. As a result I really value learning, people and seek enjoyment through a challenge.
What skills or lessons learned at Belmont have been most valuable in your professional life?
I love speaking languages so the language department lit a fire there. PE was always my favourite. I have a lot of respect for the PE department and the teachers that took the extra curricular sports teams. How they taught has been cool to learn about over the years. We were not an easy bunch.
In what ways did Belmont House School’s community or culture contribute to your personal growth?
I was very close to class mates ( whom I miss) and being able to have some common ground now in life though the alumni community with the older and younger generation fills me with optimism that perhaps we will meet again or spotlight lives of our friends and community which will bring a smile when learning about them through this community or forum.
What advice would you give to current Belmont students who want to follow a similar path to yours?
It is normal not knowing exactly what you want to do when you leave school. Find something you enjoy or are passionate about, surround yourself with good people, have a strong work ethic and pride yourself on being a great person and life long learner personally and professionally you will do well. The journey is definitely more fun than the outcome so celebrate that. Nobody needs to be perfect!
Our thanks to Iain for sharing their experiences – would you like to feature as part of our Alumni of Belmont House School?
Please feel free to get in touch with Richard Doak via email: RDoak@belmontschool.co.uk
