Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas has reportedly switched his focus to boxing for a charity event.

The 38-year-old, who was a contestant in this year's ice skating reality show Dancing On Ice, is thought to be entering the ring for a charity event in Dubai.

"Gareth needs a challenge, when he steps into the ring he will be wanting to win," the Daily Star quotes a friend of the retired rugby player as saying.

Thomas, who announced in 2009 that he is gay, is due to have his life made into a film this year.