Gay Welsh rugby international’s story to be staged

On the eve of one of the most important games of his career, Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas received a warning: The Sun newspaper was going to “out” him as gay. Rubgy is not known for its embracing of the gay community despite the likelihood of there being just as many players who are gay as in any other walk of life. The story has inspired a new play to be staged in Cardiff in the spring about the issue and it will be of particular interest to teenagers who have a universal interest in sexuality.
The National Theatre of Wales has teamed up with Out of Joint for a new touring play about Bridgend’s Gareth Thomas called Crouch, Touch, Pause, Engage directed by Max Stafford-Clark.
Working with young people in Bridgend, Out of Joint and the National Theatre Wales will tell the story about sport, politics, secrets, life and learning to be yourself.
Crouch, Touch, Pause, Engage will open at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, in February 2015, before touring Wales and England (including London). Full details about the show’s tour, and its cast, are to be announced in the new year. Writer Robin Soans known for his documentary verbatim plays based on interviews with real people, is the man behind the script.
Gareth played Rugby Union until switching to Rubgy League in 2010, but announced he was gay in 2009 making him an influential gay figure in Britain and the sporting world. He retired from rugby in 2011.