Sam Stanley, Keegan Hirst and Ian Roberts
Sam Stanley, Keegan Hirst and Ian Roberts never played against each other, or alongside each other on the rugby pitch. However, they are three crucially important people who took the brave first steps within their sports.
A former Saracens centre, Sam Stanley became the first English rugby player to come out as gay, as he kicked down the doors for the LGBTQ+ Community in August 2015. Stanley comes from a decorated rugby family, his brother Michael played for Samoa, and his Uncle Joe Stanley is a former All Black. Stanley ended his playing career at Ealing Trailfinders, and has since announced his engagement to long-term partner Laurence Hicks.
Keegan Hirst broke new ground for the LGBTQ+ Community in Rugby League, as the first openly gay British man to play the sport. Hirst too came out in 2015, in what was a milestone year for both codes of English rugby. Hirst followed on from the ground-breaking announcement of rugby league player Ian Roberts, as the Australian came out in 1995, becoming the first ‘rugby-footballer’ to do so.
Gareth Thomas
From one Welsh rugby icon to another, Gareth Thomas made 100 appearances for Wales between 1995 and 2007, during his decorated rugby career. Thomas was previously the record holder of the most Wales caps, before he was surpassed by fly half Stephen Jones in 2011.
The former Wales and British & Irish lions captain also held the record for the most tries for Wales with 40, until he was overtaken by Shane Williams in the 2008 Six Nations. Thomas marked his Wales debut in emphatic style, as he scored a hat-trick against Japan at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
One record which Thomas can still claim, is the record for the furthest international try from an interception. In a match against Australia, the Welshman intercepted a pass and ran 90m with the ball to score the famous solo try. When Thomas came out in 2009, he broke down a monumental barrier by becoming the first openly gay rugby player.