Gareth Thomas, the Welsh rugby player who came out and said that he's gay last week, talked to the BBC about why he finally decided to open up about his personal life and how he hopes his coming-out will help break down the stereotype that all athletes need to be straight.

"It was something I needed to do personally. I had gone through a lot of emotions and tough time, and I needed to be around a group of people ... a team ... that I felt comfortable with, and that's why now, for me, felt like the right time."

Thomas says reaction to his coming-out has been positive, but that he did fear being ostracized and having people no longer respect him as a rugby player.

"Everything has been of the contrary," he says. "I have a lot of support, a lot of backing, people saying how courageous it is. ... The positives I've had up until now will far outweigh any negatives that come my way."

Listen to the full interview here.