Former Wales rugby star Gareth Thomas has spoken out about the toxic culture in rugby that forced him to hide his sexuality. The 50-year-old, who played 100 times for Wales in rugby union and four times in rugby league, was the only openly gay male professional player in British rugby, football and cricket during his career. He remains the only one to this day, highlighting the glacial pace of progress.
Thomas, who publicly revealed his HIV diagnosis five years ago, is now campaigning to raise awareness about the virus and other sexually transmitted infections. He has taken his TackleHIV bus to the Rugby World Cup in France, university freshers' weeks, and rugby clubs like Harlequins. He found that many young people are unaware of the risks, with half of 18- to 24-year-olds believing they are not at risk of HIV.
Thomas recalled the fear he felt before his first Wales training session, admitting he deliberately missed it because he was terrified. He believes many other players were just as daunted but put on a tough act. 'Every single one of them was putting on an act of some sort,' he said. 'So many of the barbaric, tough, non-negotiator types were playing a character that society expected them to live up to.'
He emphasised the importance of allies speaking up in uncomfortable situations, such as when discriminatory language is used in dressing rooms. 'An ally talks up in uncomfortable situations, to stand up for people. That's the one thing they learned,' he said of his conversations with student players.
