Rugby star anxious about coming out

Rugby star Gareth Thomas has said he is "anxious about people's reactions" after announcing that he is gay.

The Wales international full-back said he had been through "all sorts of emotions" over the issue.

But he told the Daily Mail he did not want to be known as a "gay rugby player".

"I've been through all sorts of emotions with this, tears, anger and absolute despair," he told the newspaper.

"I wasn't sure if I ever wanted to let people know and, to be honest, I feel anxious about people's reactions and the effect it might have on my family."

He added: "I don't want to be known as a gay rugby player. I am a rugby player first and foremost. I am a man. I just happen to be gay. It's irrelevant. What I choose to do when I close the door at home has nothing to do with what I have achieved in rugby."

Thomas, Wales's most-capped player and a former British and Irish Lions captain, said it had been "really tough" hiding his sexuality.

But he said he hoped coming out would help future generations of rugby players.

He said his close family and friends had accepted his decision and would continue to support him.

In an interview with the newspaper, the 35-year-old said he had no plans to launch a "crusade" but wanted to send a "positive message" to other gay people.