Gareth Thomas, the first openly gay international rugby player has spoken out about his up-coming Hollywood biopic, stigma against homosexuals in sport and the 2014 Russian Winter Olympics.
The rugby legend announced that he was gay in 2009, becoming one of the first openly homosexual male athletes in any major sports team in the world. That year Gareth was also voted the most influential gay person in the UK by topping the Independent on Sunday Pink List.
Pre-production has recently begun on his Hollywood movie and speaking on Sportlobster TV, Gareth, who won 100 caps for his country, confirmed that Oscar-nominated Mickey Rourke will definitely play his part.
Gareth said: “Mickey has had a lot of stick for his image in the past, but he’s been training really hard to play this role. He is the right person for the part because he cares about who I am, he is not someone who just wants to win an award.”
The majority of filming is set to take place in Wales, South Africa and France. However the rugby scenes will be filmed separately to ensure they look convincing.
Gareth continued: “Unlike other films, we’re going to be careful to get the rugby looking right.”
However to Gareth, it is the message of the film that is the highest priority: “This movie isn’t about the money – it is about acceptance in sport for everyone. People take courage from my story in all walks of life and this is what matters.”
Gareths’ story is not dissimilar to Martina Navratilova, the lesbian tennis star who won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 major women’s doubles titles and 10 major mixed doubles titles along with a myriad of other achievements.
“I met Martina Navratilova once, she told me that when she played at Wimbledon early in her career, just after she had publicly come out, many in the crowd actually sat on their hands when she came on court. However, she overcame these perceptions and became one of the most popular and successful players of all time.” Gareth said.
England and Wasps flanker, James Haskell says that to avoid similar negative reactions, some rugby players are hiding their sexuality:
“Statistically there must be gay rugby players out there but I don’t know of a single one. I feel bad for anyone who struggles to be true to who they are, as no one should have to live a lie. The fact a rugby player may say they prefer men to women does not have any relevance to the sport.”
Regarding questions raised about upcoming sporting events planned in countries where there are laws in place against homosexuality such as Russia where the 2014 Winter Olympics are being staged in Sochi and Qatar who are due to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup, Gareth has strong views:
“If I was part of a squad going to these countries – I would go there as a gay man and be the best at what I was doing and prove that their laws can not stop me at being the best I can be in my sport. These athletes only have one chance to be the best and nothing, not even laws against homosexuality, should hold them back.”
To view the interview on Sportlobster TV, CLICK HERE:
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