( CNN ) -- Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas has spoken of his relief at finally making public the fact he is gay -- and now wants to become a role model for gay people in sport . Speaking to British news channel ITN , Thomas revealed why it has taken him so long to speak openly about his sexuality . `` Every gay man will tell you that 'coming out ' is like a weight lifted from your shoulders and beng able to walk down the street knowing that there is nothing for me to hide has been a liberating experience , `` admitted Thomas -- the most capped player in Wales history with 100 appearances for his country . `` I knew I was gay at 18 , but to come out then would have meant I would not have achieved what I did in rugby . I loved rugby so much and it was so important to me that I made the decision to keep my sexuality secret . People may disagree with that , but it was my belief and my decision . `` Since my announcement I have had an amazing response and have not had one negative comment or any abuse . I think it proves there is a place for gay men in every walk of life . `` Gay men are accepted in films , music and politics because people came out and broke the mould and stereotype in those industries . `` What I am trying to do is break the trend in rugby and sport in general and show any aspiring sportsman , regardless of his age , that the mould has been broken . `` It is not an issue if a straight man plays rugby -- and I hope my decision will ensure it is not an issue if a gay man plays rugby . ''
Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas has spoken of his relief at making public the fact he is gay . The 35-year-old Thomas now wants to become a role model for gay people in general . Thomas is the most capped player n Wales rugby history with 100 appearances for his country .