Gareth Thomas, a former rugby union and league player, represented Wales 100 times in union and four times in league. In the latter years of his career, he sought to shed light on issues of sexuality. He retired in 2011 after his club, Wrexham-based Crusaders, withdrew from the Super League, and an injury prevented him from leading Wales against England, New Zealand, and Australia in the Four Nations. Thomas was the only openly gay male player among nearly 3,500 first-team professionals across nearly 150 British rugby, football, and cricket clubs. This figure remains unchanged.

Thomas, now 50 and in good health, publicly disclosed his HIV status five years ago. He faced legal action from a former partner who accused him of transmitting HIV. Thomas settled the case in early 2023, maintaining his innocence and settling without admitting liability due to the costs of a full defense. He is now focused on raising awareness about HIV among young people, particularly rugby players and fans.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK exceeded 400,000 last year, with young people being the most affected. Despite this, research by the Terrence Higgins Trust shows that half of 18- to 24-year-olds do not believe they are at risk. Thomas has taken his TackleHIV campaign to various events, including the Rugby World Cup in France and university freshers' weeks, aiming to educate and destigmatize HIV.

Thomas emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions with rugby players and fans, highlighting that many young men mistakenly believe they do not need an HIV test. He also discusses the responsibility of student players to be allies and destigmatize HIV, even in uncomfortable environments. Thomas reflects on his own experiences, noting that acknowledging vulnerability is a strength and that authenticity is crucial in both life and sport.

In his autobiography, 'Proud,' Thomas briefly dismisses the 1999 Rugby World Cup but devotes several pages to the 2010 rugby league Euros, which he found more fulfilling. He concludes by stating that rugby nearly destroyed him but ultimately gave him a life, and that his experiences with sexuality, post-rugby life, and HIV have similarly shaped him, making him stronger and more resilient.

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