"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
