Fans 'still backing' Gareth Thomas

Tuesday 22 December 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
Magners League > Cardiff Blues

Rugby fans in Wales appear to be fully behind Gareth Thomas after he revealed this week that he is gay.

The former Lion told the Western Mail that he came out to his Cardiff Blues teammates before making it public over the weekend.

And his greatest concern was over the reaction from the general public - understandable since he is easily the highest-profile British sportsman ever to make such an announcement.

But the man known as Alfie says fans judge him on his achievements - as they should - and negative reaction has been minimal.

"The message I am giving out is that if there is an 18-year-old kid out there who wants to do it and play rugby at the same time then they can do it," he was quoted as saying.

Welsh rugby does have one other prominent gay figure, with referee Nigel Owens having come out two years ago, but will the reaction to Thomas's announcement pave the way for more to come forward?