After a rollercoaster career and over a decade out of the limelight, Mickey Rourke has in recent years made an unprecedented comeback landing award winning roles in action packed blockbusters. However his next ambition is far departed from his usual characters as he aims to play Gareth Thomas, the world's only openly gay rugby star and male athlete, in a film about his life.
The actor got in touch with the rugby star after reading about his story, as a big rugby fan he has been interested in making a rugby film for many years and contacted Thomas via a mutual friend in the Rugby League. He invited him to the audience of the Jonathan Ross show on which he was a guest and invited him to meet over dinner afterwards.
Although more of a Hollywood heavyweight, he is no stranger to physical sports after his training for his Bafta and a Golden Globe award winning role in 'The Wrestler'. He is also a trained boxer and fought professionally during his break from acting in the 1990's.
Thomas is said to be delighted and flattered by Rourke's interest in his life. His career started at a local club at youth level, after a series of transfers he ended up at his home club Bridgend. He played for the Welsh capital Cardiff for three years before returning to captain his hometown to the Welsh Premier Division title in 2003. Debut for Wales in 1995 against Japan and set a record four tries against Italy in 1999. He retains the record for the most appearances for his country at 100.
In 2006, the rugby international suffered a health scare after a neck injury during a game manifested with what appeared to be a stroke at an interview later that day, he was rushed to hospital and it emerged he had ruptured an artery in his neck. It was feared that this could lead to his retirement but he resumed playing at the start of the 2006-07 season.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail he publically 'came out' but insisted he didn't want to be known as a 'gay rugby player' as he was a rugby player first, and foremost a man. He has publically talked about how he hopes his decision helps younger athletes feel comfortable with their sexuality and that it will not put off any potential players from what is considered one of the most masculine sports in the world.
But don't go thinking Rourke will don his rugby boots and rugby training shirts just yet as many have pointed out he is more than 20 years older than the rugby star.
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