Gareth Thomas has opened up about being the victim of a homophobic attack in his home town of Cardiff.

The rugby player, who came out in 2009, decided to meet the 16-year-old rather than press charges.

‘There’s a lot of people out there who want to hate us’

Taking to Twitter to address the incident, he said: ‘This morning I’ve decided to make what I hope will be a positive video.’

‘Last night I was the victim in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality.

‘Why do I want to be positive? Because I want to say thank you to the police who were involved and were very happy, and allowed me to do restorative justice with the people who did this. I thought they could learn more that way.’

Gareth finally added: ‘Also to the people of Cardiff who supported me and helped me. Because there’s a lot of people out there who want to hate us. But unfortunately for them, there’s a lot more who want to help us. So this, I hope, will be a positive message.’

Restorative justice is defined as a system of criminal justice which focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders. This occurs through reconciliation with victims and the community at large.

In a statement, South Wales police said: ‘We are aware that a video has been posted on social media by former rugby international Gareth Thomas in relation to a hate crime which happened on The Hayes in Cardiff city centre on Friday 16 November.

‘We can confirm a local 16-year-old boy was dealt with by way of restorative justice following the incident at around 9pm.’

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