Gareth Thomas: 'I joined in with homophobic banter'

Former Wales rugby star Gareth Thomas has revealed that he once took part in homophobic jokes with teammates in a bid to hide his sexuality.

The 38-year-old came out in 2009 but has admitted that he tried to "get rid" of his feelings by trying to 'force' himself to be straight during his rugby career.

"For me, rugby was a great way of hiding it," the Daily Star quotes Thomas as saying. "I'd even join in with homophobic changing room banter.

"There are things that I'm extremely embarrassed about. I lived under the delusion that forcing myself to be straight would get rid of the gay feelings."

Thomas is currently competing on ITV reality show Dancing On Ice.