Nigel Owens and Gareth Thomas attacked with homophobic abuse in letter…

Yesterday at 16:29

Former rugby referee Nigel Owens has spoken of his concern after receiving an anonymous homophobic letter in the post in 2022.

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A high-profile Welsh official who publicly came out as gay in 2007 and has previously spoken about his struggles with mental health has shared the offensive letter on social media. A handwritten note signed by ‘Steel Worker PT’ also made reference to rugby icon Gareth Thomas.

Owens debated whether to publish the letter but ultimately decided to do so, stating, “If we don’t call out people like this, nothing will change. It hurts and there is no need for all this hate.

The letter contained a number of homophobic remarks, citing religious texts and making derogatory remarks about Owens and Thomas. It read: “The Bible says, ‘A man shall not lie with a man, nor a woman with a woman; it is an abomination.’ Neither men should wear women’s clothes nor women should wear men’s clothes.

“What do you think AIDS is? This is God’s punishment for the Sodomites. Forget that people pretend to accept you, because they don’t.

“The same goes for Gareth Thomas. His teammates think he’s disgusting. He too is punished by God. Only a queer would buy a Korean car. You should be ashamed.”

Gareth Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009 and announced he was HIV positive in 2019, responded to Owens’ post. Thomas revealed that he had also been targeted by the same person, commenting: “He’s a serial writer, but an ass. He writes such letters to everyone. It’s good that you called him.

Dream of NIGEL OWENS XV:

Defender: Israel Folau (Australia)

Owens said: “For me it’s a compromise between Halfpenny and Folau, there’s almost no choice between them. Leigh is brilliant because he plays under big ball and hits under pressure. He may not always cross the line when running, but he puts himself on the line defensively and is a match-winner at the highest level.

“But I’m banking on Folau – just, I should emphasize – because of his ability to seemingly outplay his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He is an extremely exciting player and, like Leigh, one of the best big-ball players.

“For me it was a coin toss… and I decided in favor of Folau.”

Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Owens said: “How can you not be impressed when you watch Hogg play. It’s incredibly exciting when he stepped into that line and, of course, was named player of the tournament for the Six Nations.

“I know he’s a Scotland full-back but he’s so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. Some of the things he does, he reminds me a bit of Shane Williams.

“When you see who is on the other wing on my team, you will see how great they would work in tandem.”

Off centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centers in the history of rugby union, but he is also a fantastic man off the field. O’Driscoll was a great ambassador for the sport and a true leader. He always respected judges and set a good example for others.

“A football legend who conducted himself brilliantly both on and off the pitch.”

Intra-center: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)

Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every match, win or lose, he came up and hugged me. Ma’a always made time at the post-match celebrations or at breakfast if we were staying in the same hotel to come and talk.

“What a player, remember too. One of the pillars of the New Zealand team for many years.

Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)

Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed, it is almost impossible to choose one because I have been fortunate to have managed so many great players.

“But if pushed, I would choose Shane because of what he achieved after coming out of football at 17 or 18.

“He was in the Gerald Davies mold of leaving defenders gasping for air as he beat them with dazzling dodges. Nobody would want to defend against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.

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