WELSH rugby champion Gareth Thomas visited Chepstow last Monday (17th November) to talk about his new book Proud with his supporters.

Around 150 people turned up to listen to the former Welsh captain share his humbling story.

Gareth told his audience of the honour he felt captaining and representing Wales and openly shared his feelings about "living a lie".

Gareth Thomas, also known as Alfie by Welsh rugby fans, made the brave step of announcing he was gay while still playing rugby. Since then he has become a symbol of strength for others in similar situations.

Speaking of captaining Wales in their 2005 Grand Slam victory, the proud Welshman said: "Representing Wales to me wasn't just about wearing the jersey or singing the anthem, it was about representing the people of Wales and our history.

"I used to go up to the Devil's Armchair in the Bwlch and look down at the terraced houses where the miners used to live, and I'd see the waterfall and the countryside.

"To me playing for Wales was a representation of the ground underneath me and the history of the country."

Gareth spoke about his mental struggles and the turmoil he endured by pretending to be different characters in a bid to conceal his sexuality.

He said: "I was lying to everyone. I was lying to my wife, my family and in a way I was lying to my teammates.

"I believe everyone is born with the power to create their own destiny. If you lie you take away that right."

Gareth recalled the moment he revealed to coach Scott Johnson that he was gay.

"I was afraid because this secret was my life. I had given a man I trusted my life.

"Scott said he was going to tell just two people in the team, Stephen Jones and Martin Williams."

After the acceptance and huge support he received from his teammates, roughly two years later he decided to come out publicly.

"I decided to do it on the day when the Cardiff Blues were playing Toulouse. I wanted to come out and then be recognised for what I did best; rugby.

"The moment I was dreading was the annoucement of the names of the players to the Toulouse crowd.

"Each individual Toulouse player was being cheered. Then they started to call the name of the Blues players.

"Leigh Halfpenny was booed, and so were others, then they called my name and 70,000 people in the stadium cheered. It was overwhelming."

Gareth says he is happy to help others who are struggling with their sexuality. He said: "I had no idea the impact me being honest would have on people.

"Everyone in the world will reach a wall in their lives. You can't go around it, you can't climb over it, you have to smash through it and that's what I did."

The book ends with a letter from Gareth to his 16-year-old self. He said: "I wish so much that I at 16 could have spoken to myself now.

"I would have helped myself understand that my sexuality would never define my capabilities."

Gareth spent hours after his talk signing copies of his book and taking time to chat to each supporter individually, dubbing it as the "Welsh thing to do" to make time for people.

The event at the St Pierre Marriott Hotel in Chepstow was organised by Chepstow Bookshop.

Owner of the bookshop, Matthew Taylor, said: "I'm really pleased with the turnout tonight. It's been a great audience."

For more details of upcoming events organised by Chepstow Bookshop visit: http://www.chepstow">www.chepstow

books.co.uk

Signed copies of Gareth's book are available for purchase on the Chepstow Bookshop's website.