Keynote SpeakersGareth Thomas CBE is a Welsh rugby icon, inspirational speaker, and trailblazing advocate. Learn about his sporting achievements, keynote talks, personal story, and work championing inclusion.
Gareth was the first Welsh player to reach 100 caps. He also captained Wales to their first Grand Slam in 27 years in 2005.
Since retiring in 2011, Gareth has become a regular broadcast analyst. As a result, he has worked on Rugby World Cups as well as numerous RBS 6 Nations coverage.
Thomas has also become a household name, entertaining audiences on national TV and raising awareness around key issues, in particular LGBTQ+ equality, mental health and tackling the stigma around HIV.
Wales and Lions Captain:
Gareth Thomas shot onto the professional rugby scene in 1994, aged 20, playing for his hometown, Bridgend.
His 1995 hat-trick debut for Wales marked the beginning of an exceptional international career. He went on to captain the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand and was named BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year.
In 2009, Gareth famously became the first high-profile sportsman in the world to come out as gay whilst still playing.
Whilst he never downplays the significance of this achievement, he hopes to see a day when it is no longer an issue in the game.
Since this iconic revelation, Gareth has continued to use his platform to champion issues close to him. He shares his own experiences with mental health in his award-winning autobiography ‘Proud‘. His book charts his rollercoaster journey to becoming the most prominent athlete to come out as a gay man.
Gareth Thomas is also known by the nickname ‘Alfie‘, owing to his resemblance to a cartoon character called Alf. In 2011, world-famous shoe designer Christian Louboutin launched an ‘Alfie’ shoe range inspired by the legendary sportsman.
Broadcaster:
Not averse to a bit of fun, in 2012 Gareth famously appeared in Celebrity Big Brother, where he finished a credible third. No stranger to reality TV, Gareth has competed on ITV’s Dancing on Ice, Channel 4’s The Jump and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
In 2019, Gareth bravely told the world he was living with HIV. He timed the announcement to coincide with his taking part in an Ironman triathlon to demonstrate that HIV didn’t weaken him; he was in control.
His BBC documentary, Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me, aired shortly afterwards, and he has since launched a Tackle HIV campaign to help others with prejudice surrounding HIV.
More recently, he has written about his experience with the media and stigma in ‘Stronger‘, supported charities such as the Terrence Higgins Trust, and set up a Tackle HIV initiative to continue breaking down HIV-related stigma.
Gareth Thomas – Guest Speaker:
As a speaker, Gareth provides insight into topics such as motivation, diversity and the importance of teamwork. He delivers his unique story in a very moving and engaging talk to companies and organisations across the country.
Furthermore, he delivers speeches addressing LGBTQ+ issues and HIV awareness with the same vigour and enthusiasm he brought to his playing career.
Aside from his work as a beloved commentator and campaigner, Gareth enjoys walking the dog and spending time with his husband, Stephen.
