British Rugby player Gareth Thomas announces unwillingly that he is HIV-Positive. #PinkInOurLives

Former Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas has revealed that he is HIV positive.

Mr Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is thought to be the first UK sportsman to go public about living with the virus, and has revealed that he was driven to suicidal thoughts as a result of his diagnosis.

He said he revealed his HIV-positive status because he was being blackmailed, and described those who forced him into doing so as “evils who make his life hell”.

He is thought to be the first UK sportsman to go public about living with the virus, and is calling for understanding from fans.

He told the Sunday Mirror:“I’ve been living with this secret for years. I’m speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference. I’ve felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. I thought about driving off a cliff. To me, wanting to die was just a natural thought and felt like the easier way out, but you have to confront things.”