020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
I just want to thank you for helping organise the talk with Gareth. It was incredible. He spoke with such honesty and you could clearly tell it was the real him. It’s the best turn out we’ve had for a talk as well and the feedback has been amazing. Please do send on our thanks to Gareth – we would love to have him back!
Rowena, Canopius
Gareth Thomas – Named Most Influential Gay Person in the UK & Sports Book of the Year
Gareth Thomas CBE is one of Wales’ most celebrated rugby players and a trailblazing advocate for LGBT rights and HIV awareness. Known for his versatility in both Rugby Union and Rugby League, Gareth remains the second-highest try scorer for Wales and a former captain of both his national team and the British & Irish Lions. Since retiring, he has become a powerful voice for equality, openly sharing his journey as a gay man in sport and challenging the stigma around HIV. Today, Gareth inspires audiences worldwide with his courage, humour and determination to break barriers on and off the pitch.
Speaking Topics:
- Diversity and inclusion
- Playing Top-Level Sport
- Effective Leadership & Teamwork
- LGBT Representation in Professional Environments
- Overcoming adversity
- The stigma of homosexuality within the sports industry
- Captaining a National Side
Credentials and Impact
Gareth enjoyed a decorated rugby career, earning 100 caps for Wales and ranking as the second-highest try scorer in the nation’s history. He captained Wales to their iconic 2005 Grand Slam victory and also led the British & Irish Lions under Sir Clive Woodward, achievements that cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most respected leaders. Highlights of his international career include a hat-trick of tries in the 1995 World Cup and reaching his century of caps during the 2007 tournament.
In 2009, Gareth made history by publicly coming out, becoming the first professional rugby union player to do so. His openness marked a pivotal moment for representation in sport and inspired countless others to embrace authenticity. Beyond rugby, Gareth has become a leading advocate for diversity, inclusion and health, dedicating himself to breaking the stigma surrounding HIV. His contributions have been recognised with accolades such as Stonewall’s Hero of the Year, being named the UK’s Most Influential Gay Person by The Independent, and receiving a CBE in 2020 for services to sport and health. In 2024, he was further honoured with a Doctor of Science from Queen Mary University of London in recognition of his advocacy.
Publications and Media
Why Book Gareth?
Audiences book Gareth for his rare ability to unite sporting excellence with a powerful message of authenticity, resilience and equality. As a record-breaking rugby international, his leadership on the pitch was matched by his courage in transforming conversations about representation in sport. He has since become a prominent campaigner, challenging stigma around HIV through high-profile initiatives, documentaries and his impactful TEDx talk “How to Tackle the Stigma of Living with HIV“.
Recognised with honours including a CBE and Doctor of Science, Gareth is respected not only as a sporting legend but also as a humanitarian. His openness, humour and humility resonate with audiences across business, education and sport, making his talks both moving and motivational. Whether reflecting on overcoming adversity, breaking barriers or building inclusive cultures, Gareth leaves audiences inspired to embrace diversity and champion equality in their own lives and organisations.
