He may only have come out last month, but Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas is hoping his new openness about his sexuality will help him find the perfect partner.
The 35-year-old says the overwhelmingly positive response to his public announcement was a huge relief and he's now keen to find that special man to share his life with.
"The thought now is exciting; sitting down to watch telly, to cuddle up to somebody, to be able to show affection to somebody is exciting," said Thomas, whose appearance for Wales and the British Lions made him one of the nation's most popular rugby players.
He also told welsh newspaper Wales on Sunday that he would no longer feel ashamed to walk down the street hand in hand with a man. "I don't think it would detract from my masculinity or who I am."
Thomas also claims under his tough exterior hides a gentle giant. "Externally I may look like a tough f**ker but emotionally I’m as soft as… I’m caring… I’ve got a lot of love to give."
The rugby star's divorce from Jemma Thomas will soon be finalised. She says she had no regrets about her five year marriage with Gareth, despite being left "heart-broken" by his confession.
“I’m incredibly proud of him for coming out and if anyone thinks any less of him because of it, then they are stupid.”
“I know it was a massive relief when he told me, his family and close friends three years ago, and it will be even more of a relief now that everyone knows.
Thomas admits coming to terms with his sexuality wasn’t something that happened overnight for his mum and dad, Yvonne and Barry, and his brothers Dicky and Stephen.
“It has been a rocky road for us all getting there.”
“At the end of the day my family all have lives to lead as well, they have to go to work every day just like anyone else."
“Of course they have always accepted me whatever the case, but there was a process involved in them accepting that they have to deal with this too, with the negative comments should they arise.
“Yet we have all got through that process together because we are a tight family.”
The positive global reaction has included a Facebook group called "Support Gareth Thomas – The First Rugby Player To Come Out" that has more than 11,300 followers.
Now the rugby star, who is the most-capped Welsh player, is focussed on the search for love. "I know a lot of gay men are looking for love. I’ve done this as well in the hope that I can find somebody."