Gareth Thomas | Rugby

Gareth’s talent on the rugby field is undeniable. He holds the record as the second-highest try scorer for Wales, a record that still stands even after his retirement over a decade ago. Having played both Rugby League and Rugby Union, Gareth is internationally ranked as the 13th highest try scorer, showcasing his dominance in the sport.

With 100 caps for his country, Gareth was formerly the most capped Welsh player and had the honor of captaining both Wales and the British & Irish Lions. He also served as the captain for his clubs, Bridgend, and Celtic Warriors. Throughout his career, Gareth achieved significant milestones such as securing a hat-trick of tries in the 1995 World Cup, winning the 2005 Grand Slam, and earning his 100th cap in the 2007 World Cup.

In 2009, Gareth made history by becoming the first openly gay professional rugby union player. His decision to live authentically and support other young players with representation in the industry has made him a powerful advocate for the LGBT community. Gareth has been recognized for his influential contributions, including being named the Most Influential Gay Person in the UK in 2010 by The Independent and receiving Stonewall’s Hero of the Year award for his work.

Gareth’s focus on reducing the stigma surrounding HIV positive status was highlighted in the documentary ‘Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me.’ His honest account in the book ‘Proud’ earned him the Sports Book of the Year award in 2015.

As an LGBTQ+ speaker, Gareth addresses the need to end homophobia and promote diversity and inclusion in every industry.

Below Gareth talks about his life on Loose Women:

Gareth Thomas | In the Media

He has gained celebrity status beyond the world of sports, making high-profile appearances on shows like Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing on Ice, and The Jump. Gareth continues to contribute to rugby as a regular commentator for ITV Sports and has one of the widest fan bases of any sports star.

Gareth engages audiences with his humorous and heartfelt talks, inspiring individuals to embrace diversity and inclusion in their respective fields. His contributions to sports, advocacy, and the media have solidified his status as a respected figure, making him a valuable addition to any event.