December 28, 2009 | Celeb Watch

Rugby star Gareth Williams comes out

British rugby star Gareth Williams has come out of the closet. The 35-year-old former captain of the Wales and Lions clubs holds numerous rugby records. He currently plays for the Cardiff Blues team in Wales. According to the Welsh Rugby Union, he "holds the national appearance record (100 caps) and has scored 40 tries for his country." We have no idea what that means, but are sure it's brilliant.

Williams told the BBC that he feels attitudes have changed and the time is right for sport to start accepting openly gay people in the same way other professions have in recent years.

Cardiff Blues chief executive Robert Norster said, "Gareth Thomas is a credit to Cardiff Blues who has truly brought honour to the jersey as a formidable player and a strong leader."

It's really about bloody time for professionals sports to make gays welcome in their ranks. Good on Gareth for his guts, and kudos to his team for the support they're giving him. 

Ex-Lion Gareth Thomas reveals he is gay. [BBC]