League: Welsh legend of two footy codes calls time on long career

Gareth Thomas. Photo / Getty Images

Gareth Thomas has retired from all forms of rugby, just four days before he was due to begin the Four Nations campaign with Wales.

It is the final twist in a unique sporting career. Thomas captained Wales at rugby union and won a record number of caps, before making a successful switch to league two years ago at the age of 35. He was the highest-profile sportsman in Britain to be openly gay.

Thomas had returned early from his media commitments at the Rugby Union World Cup, in order to prepare for the Four Nations. He was expected to play in the warm-up against Ireland last Saturday, but withdrew for what were described as "personal reasons".

He issued a statement saying: "I have ... discussed this decision with many of my family and my close friends. My mind had told me the time to retire is now. If you can't give 100 per cent to rugby then you can't do it justice. This is a sad day, but I know my time has come to an end as a player."

The Welsh coach, Iestyn Harris, praised Thomas for what he called an "unselfish" decision. "It would have been easy for him to play the Wales internationals for his personal gain, but he didn't want to take an opportunity from someone else in our squad.

"I've worked with him for just short of two years and the work and desire he put into his transition from union to league was a testament to his supreme professionalism."

The Bridgend-born Thomas was a genuine Welsh rugby union legend, becoming the first Welshman to win a hundred caps for his country.

Late in the day, that career took two remarkable turns. In December 2009, he became the first rugby player of either code to come out as gay while still playing.

The following year, he made an equally dramatic move by signing to play rugby league for the Wrexham-based Super League club Crusaders. He did not have an easy baptism, getting thoroughly battered in his debut against the Catalan Dragons.

He worked hard and adapted, however, although there was a sour note when he was subjected to homophobic abuse at Castleford. He played four times for Wales in his new code, including captaining them in the match in France that clinched a place in the Four Nations.

His career took another unexpected change of direction, with a shock move to Wigan. Thanks to yesterday's announcement, that unlikely-sounding civil partnership won't take place.

- Independent