....if a current or former Quins/Broncos great player decided to come out as being gay?

....if a current or former Hull FC great player decided to come out as being gay?

Gareth Thomas has just come out, and in his interview with the BBC he said that

[i"It's pretty tough for me being the only international rugby player prepared to break the taboo.
"Statistically I can't be the only one, but I'm not aware of any other gay player still in the game.[/i

It got me thinking that the same must apply in RL.
Would the fact they are gay alter your opinion of what kind of example they were setting as a role model within the community and especially what message they were sending your kids?

Would you think it matters at all in this day and age?

Ian Roberts the Aussie International second rower came "out" some years ago-he was one tough player

In this day and age does it really matter?

As Linda (Kathy Burke) said in "Gimme,Gimme,Gimme"...."Theres no such thing as being gay,...Its just laziness".

For some it will be "Hell in a handcart for Thomas".

For some it will be worthy of praise.

For some they will not see what difference it will make other than to the individual concerned.

As great a Union Player as Thomas is what he get's up to in his private life is no concern of mine.

I just hope he has finally got himself some peace of mind and can live a happier and more fulfilled life.

That must be the worst kept secret, can't understand why he never came out earlier.

Why do they need to come out? If he had suddenly become a caravan enthusiast would he have come out?

I find it all a bit bizarre-If his mates new as has been suggested who else needs to know(his wife I suppose)

What difference does someones sexual prefrence makes Unless Your sol Campbell

Makes 0 difference if they are gay or not, it's their choice, why should we change the way we thought about them because of it?

Don't care.

What does it matter?

Anyone, in any sport could "come out" and I'd applaud them. It's not really our business what their sexual orientation is but some people in our society can't accept that people are gay. A sportsman (or anyone in the public eye) doing it is to be admired.

Stooper -I agree but why make a statement-Thats what I dont understand-They wouldn't make one for probably any other reason except possibly crossing the law and then only to make an apology

I guess it's because the individual feels that it's a culture where being gay might not be accepted, and coming out may make other gay players feel more comfortable about coming out.

Don't give a monkeys.

His Team-mates wont be taking a shower with him anymore!!!

Depends what that's a euthamism for.

Because sport is pretty much the last area where its taboo to be gay. It breaks down stereotypes and sends out the message that its unacceptable to discriminate against sportsmen and sportswomen on the grounds of their sexuality. The caravan analogy is weak , people are not abused, assaulted and killed because they like going on caravan holidays. Why are people publishing offensive cartoons about Muhammad but not publishing offensive cartoons about Hercules? Nobody wants to behead you for offending Hercules. Its a show of defiance.

I can't believe there are people who thought gareth Thomas wasn't gay.
I was at MM a couple of years ago talking to some welsh rah rah's who wouldn't have it that he was gay, it's been well known about in RU player circles and he is not the only one by a long mark.
Who cares whether he is gay or not.
As for ex quins players I think there is at least one comes to mind

Being gay is one thing, but being a caravan enthusiast however is compltely unacceptable and i hope it will never raise its ugly head in our game

Man who plays sport is gay. I would honestly feel happier if people didnt think it was newsworthy or worth discussing on here.

i agree with pedrolini there is no room in our sport for caravan enthusiasts or their type