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Gareth Thomas beaten in homophobic Cardiff attack

By Online Editors
Gareth Thomas (Getty Images)

Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has released a video on Twitter after he was attacked in his home city of Cardiff.

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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.”

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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.

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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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Bull Shark 10 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically. I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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