Gareth Thomas to feature on cover of Men's Health to challenge perceptions of HIV

Former Welsh rugby player, Gareth Thomas, has praised Men's Health magazine for featuring him on their front cover.

The 45-year-old said having a man living with HIV on the cover of a health magazine was "a sign of where we are".

Gareth revealed that he was HIV positive in September 2019.

In his tweet, Gareth thanked the magazine and "everyone who works to ensure this happens for not just me, but millions of people".

Since publicly coming out as HIV positive, the former rugby player has been challenging assumptions about the disease.

He recently completed a 140-mile Ironman triathlon to “break the stigma” around the illness, completing the feat in just over 12 hours.

He is believed to be the first UK sportsman to go public with his diagnosis.

Public figures like Nigel Owens MBE and Prince William as well as charities have commended Gareth for his bravery.

Gareth came out as gay in 2009 and received Stonewall's Hero of the Year award a year later.

He is currently Wales' second highest try scorer behind Shane Williams.