**Gareth Thomas: ‘Rugby Broke Me Down, But I Managed to Rebuild Myself’** Gareth Thomas, a dual-code rugby international, reflects on his journey through the sport, addressing issues of stigma, sexual health, and his desire to inspire future generations. With an impressive record of 100 appearances for Wales in rugby union and four in rugby league, Thomas dedicated the latter part of his career to shedding light on the topic of sexuality in sports. He retired in 2011 after his club, the Wrexham-based Crusaders, withdrew from Super League, and injuries prevented him from leading Wales in the Four Nations against England, New Zealand, and Australia. At that time, he was the only openly gay male player among approximately 3,500 first-team professionals across nearly 150 rugby, football, and cricket clubs in Britain—a statistic that remains unchanged today, highlighting the slow pace of progress in this area. Five years ago, Thomas publicly revealed his HIV diagnosis. Now at 50 and in good health, he faced legal challenges when a former partner accused him of transmitting the virus. In early 2023, Thomas reached a settlement in the case, maintaining his innocence throughout the process. He chose to settle without admitting liability, citing the high costs associated with a full defense. Through his experiences, Thomas continues to advocate for greater acceptance and understanding within the sports community, aiming to pave the way for future athletes.