International News
Rourke wants to tackle Thomas role
By GayNZ.com Daily News staff
20th July 2010 - 12:04 pm

Mickey Rourke and Gareth Thomas

He is 57-years-old, and yet comeback-actor Mickey Rourke wants to play the role of gay rugby player Gareth Thomas, who is 35.

The Wrestler actor, who is apparently a big rugby fan, got in touch with the Welsh rugby-turned-league star after reading an article about him during a flight from New York to London. He is said to be eager to turn Thomas' life story into a biopic.

Thomas is a prolific try scorer who won a record 100 rugby caps for Wales, before switching codes this year. He came out in December and according to Sports Illustrated, he is the world's only current professional athlete in a team sport who is openly gay.

A spokesman for Thomas has told The Daily Express the sportsman is flattered, "and although we haven't come to an agreement yet we're really hoping it does happen."