D.O.B: 25 July 1974

Home town: Bridgend

Job: Ex rugby player

Star sign: Leo

Interesting fact:

Known by the nickname “Alfie”, Gareth is famous for his unusual celebration technique. When he scores tries, he slaps his head and has sparked this popular phenomenon amongst his supporters

Description:

Gareth Thomas is a retired Welsh professional rugby player who is highly commended for his success and achievements in his sport. After starting his career playing at youth level, Gareth continued his first class career at Bridgend where he stayed and returned to for a number of years.

He made his debut for Wales in 1995 before scoring a Welsh record in 1999 by becoming one of only seven players to score four tries for his country. He continued to break records and in the 2007 Rugby World Cup he created sporting history when he became the first Welshman to win 100 international caps in Rugby Union. He is now listed 11th in the world on the international list of leading rugby union test try scorers.

Since his retirement in 2011, Gareth has continued to take part in charity work, using his influence to help others. He was voted top of the Pink List 2010 of the 101 most influential gay people in the UK and he received Stonewall’s Hero of the Year award in October 2010.

Since coming out as an openly gay man, Gareth has become a vocal supporter of Childline and has commented that “if [coming out as gay] makes one young lad pick up the phone to Childline, then it will have been worth it.