BOURNEMOUTH University will welcome former Welsh international rugby player Gareth Thomas for a special talk at their Talbot Campus.

The former Wales rugby captain and British and Irish Lion will reflect on his experiences of being the first openly gay professional rugby player in the international game, his decision to be open about his sexuality and the reaction from those around him.

The talk will be held on Tuesday February 18 at Kimmeridge House on Bournemouth University’s Talbot Campus.

There will also be an opportunity to hear about Gareth’s experiences of living with HIV and the impact his public announcement in September 2019 has had on raising overall knowledge and awareness of the virus.

As a professional rugby footballer, Gareth represented Wales in both rugby union and rugby league.

Gareth came out as gay in December 2009. The following year he was voted the most influential gay person in the UK in The Independent on Sunday Pink List and received Stonewall’s Hero of the Year award.

A Q&A session will be held after the talk, giving people the opportunity to ask Gareth questions about rugby, his current work or his plans for the future.

To apply for a free ticket, visit the Eventbrite website.