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Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas has described how he was the victim of a hate crime because of his sexuality. In a video posted on social media, Thomas, appearing with bruising around his left eye and head, described how he was assaulted in Cardiff on Saturday night. Thomas, who revealed he was gay in 2009, thanked police for their help during the incident and for allowing him to collaborate in a process of restorative justice, a form of mediation between a victim and an offender aimed at producing a positive outcome. The former centre, who captained both Wales and the British & Irish Lions, became the first openly gay professional rugby player when he spoke out about his sexuality. He won 100 caps for Wales in a 16-year career that ended with Cardiff Blues in 2010. In the video posted on Twitter, Thomas, 44, said he wanted there to be a 'positive' outcome and thanked the people of Cardiff for their support. "I was the victim in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality," he said. "There are an awful lot of people out there who want to hurt us but unfortunately for them there are a lot more that want to help us heal, so this I hope will be a positive message." Police in Cardiff confirmed a 16-year-old boy had admitted assault and was dealt with through restorative justice, something Thomas had decided on because he felt the offender could "learn more that way than any other way." "We are aware that a video has been posted on social media by former rugby international Gareth Thomas in relation to a hate crime which happened on The Hayes in Cardiff city centre on Friday November 16. "We can confirm a local 16-year-old boy was dealt with by way of restorative justice following the incident at around 9pm. "Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions."
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