The Ospreys veteran made his international debut way back in 1998 but missed out on the 1999 and 2003 global gatherings before finally being part of the Wales World Cup squad in France three years ago.
At 34, Gough is in the twilight of his career but he is more determined than ever to represent his country on the greatest stage of all next year.
The former Newport and Dragons stalwart has no intentions to call time on an impressive career just yet, with the World Cup still his major goal.
“I’m not retiring from Test rugby yet,” Gough told the South Wales Evening Post.
“I’d love to play at another World Cup. I figured in 2007 but we went out early in France and I’d like to play in one that has a happy ending.
“That is my goal and the finishing post for my Test career if I can reach it.
“Fiji are in our group in New Zealand next year and we have unfinished business with them because they have been a thorn in our side.
“The World Cup is a marvellous tournament in a great country and it’s what every player wants to do. I want to play against the best teams and players in the world.
“Any kid and player wants to play for his country and represent them at the highest level and the World Cup ticks all those boxes.
“I will try hardest to realise my ambition.”
Having featured twice as a replacement in the 2010 Six Nations, Gough started the 16-16 draw with the Fijians in Cardiff last
month, a game in which Wales failed to hit the heights they wanted.
But although Gough admits his own performance in that game didn’t match his own expectations, he remains confident that a strong season with the Ospreys will mean he remains in the thoughts of Wales coach Warren Gatland in the lead up to next year’s much-talked about showdown in New Zealand.
“The coaches pick on how you perform and that match would certainly have knocked a few players back — probably myself included,” added Gough in his interview with Mark Orders.
“It was a difficult campaign for me. My chance came against Fiji but we didn’t perform as a team. It made it hard for anyone trying to put a hand up. We didn’t gel and it was tough.
“I’m pretty philosophical in my old age and just think it’s one that has happened. You have to pick yourself up, play well and try to lift yourself up the batting order. You have to prove you are still a good player.
“I always hope that while there is breath in my lungs there will be another chance.”
