England sevens star Sam Stanley has revealed today that he is gay. Stanley becomes the first English Rugby Union player to come out. In an interview with the Sunday Times he announced his sexuality publicly for the first time and shared his experiences of how he dealt with it growing up. In his interview he is says that he once contemplated suicide.
I was standing on a bridge about four or five years ago, overlooking a motorway in Essex. However, looking back, the idea that I would jump was ridiculous but it was as if I was thinking that I could get rid of the pain in one go.
He joins rugby league player Keegan Hirst, who came out earlier this year, becoming the first English rugby player, Union and League, to come out. With these two high-profile confessions, hopefully it may encourage any other players accepting community and will support them throughout their careers.
For anybody feeling suicidal or struggling to come to terms with their sexuality, the following numbers are of organisations who can help
Samaritans: 0845 790 9090
FFLAG:0845 652 0311
