An out rugby player has opened up about how joining a gay rugby team helped him prove to himself that he doesn’t need to be limited by having a colostomy bag.

Luke Bennett is a member of the Swansea Vikings. He opened up on the team’s Facebook page about being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.

Having been training with the team for a year, Bennett is yet to play a game, but trains full contact and has an inspiring story.

He says: “As a result has left me with a permanent ostomy bag. I was not that scared of having the operation, however I was afraid that it would lead to a restrictive life which included not be able to participate in activities that a young, healthy lad would be able to.

“The thought of a contact sport scared the shit out of me (no pun intended) as I was not able to gauge what kind of impact that would have on my body. And if you would have told me 2 years ago that I now train with a rugby team, I would have laughed out loud and thought you were delusional.”

But he goes on to say that his mind is blown by being able to train with the team.

He hasn’t played a game yet with the team but trains full contact.

“I am beginning to listen to my body and with the support of the other guys on the team I am slowly beginning to realise that I am able to get stuck into tackles without the fear of impact! The fact that I am doing something completely new, and something that I NEVER thought I’d be able to do post-op reassures me that nothing will stop me pushing myself to try new adventures in my life,” he adds.

“Since joining the Vikings I have met some truly amazing and inspirational people and I have made some true friends for life. The support and patience that I get is something that I am so grateful for.

“If you are looking to be pushed out of your comfort zone and do something which can make you a better, more confident version of yourself, then try something new sooner rather than later.”

Out gay professional rugby player Sam Stanley last month hit back at critics of his age-gap engagement.

The 25-year-old athlete revealed earlier in the year that he is to marry Laurence Hicks, his partner of seven years.

Stanley posted an image of the two together on Instagram, writing: “The most loving man I know and I’m incredibly happy to say we’re now engaged.”

The pair met on website SilverDaddies.com, which describes itself as “a meeting place for mature men and other men (both daddies and younger), who are interested in keeping their daddy happy and/or sexually satisfied”.

Stanley confirmed the meeting, telling Attitude: “We first met online on a site called silverdaddies.com

“Laurence and I love each other and to us that’s all that matters.

“We’re proud to represent the many relationships like ours.”

Stanley – who likes to post naked photos of himself singing and playing a guitar – also praised fellow out player Keegan Hirst, who he credited as his inspiration.