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Gareth Thomas beaten in homophobic Cardiff attack
By Online Editors
Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has released a video on Twitter after he was attacked in his home city of Cardiff.
Thomas - rugby union's first openly gay player - says he was the victim of a hate crime.
A clearly bruised Thomas gave a brief overview of the incident in the 38-second long video.
"This morning I've decided to make what hope will be a positive video. Last night was the victim, in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality.
"Why I want it to be positive is because I wanted to say thank you to the police who were involved and who allowed me to do restorative justice, because I thought they could learn more that way than any other way.
"And also to the people of Cardiff who supported me, because there are a lot of people out there who want to hurt us. Unfortunately for them, there's a lot more people who wanted to help us heal."
The rugby community offered their support to Thomas on the social media platform.
Welsh scrumhalf Rhys Webb tweeted: "They Picked on the wrong person there mate. Hope your ok. You’ve got my full support".
The BBC's Jill Douglas wrote: "Well put Alfie - very sorry you had to experience this, but a typically positive and uplifting reaction."
Gabby Logan also chipped in with: "Loads of love big man."
The incident mars what was otherwise a happy evening for Welsh Rugby.
Wales cruised to an ultimately comfortable 74-24 victory over Tonga on Saturday.
Steff Evans, Tomos Williams, Tyler Morgan, Cory Hill, Aled Davies and Rhys Patchell all touched down before Liam Williams marked his big day with a second try.
Dan Biggar – back in the side having lost the number 10 shirt to Gareth Anscombe for last weekend’s victory over Australia – contributed 19 points, including 14 from the tee, to give coach Warren Gatland a selection headache ahead of next weekend’s visit of South Africa.
The result extends Wales’ winning run to seven matches at home. Only once since 1978 have they enjoyed a longer such run – nine games between 1997 and 1999.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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