Wales rugby legend Gareth Thomas in 'absolute despair' over gay admission

WALES rugby union legend Gareth Thomas has announced that he is gay in an interview in Saturday's Daily Mail newspaper.

The Cardiff Blues full-back, 35, said he had been through “absolute despair” and did not want to be known simply as a “gay rugby player”.

The former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain is Wales' most capped player and ninth in the all-time Test try scoring list.

“I've been through all sorts of emotions with this, tears, anger and absolute despair,” he said.

“I wasn't sure if I ever wanted to let people know and, to be honest, I feel anxious about people's reactions and the effect it might have on my family.”

He added: “I don't want to be known as a gay rugby player. I am a rugby player first and foremost.

“I am a man. I just happen to be gay. It's irrelevant. What I choose to do when I close the door at home has nothing to do with what I have achieved in rugby.”