Dual code rugby star and former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Gareth Thomas announced his retirement yesterday after a long career in the top flight of both codes.

Sports Mole takes a look back at a unique sporting career.

Gareth Thomas was born in Sarn, Bridgend in 1974.

He started his rugby career at Bridgend RFC and went on to captain them to the Welsh Premier Division title in 2003.

He made his Wales international debut in 1995 against Japan and eventually became the first Welsh player to win 100 caps for his country.

He played for the now-defunct Celtic Warriors when regional rugby was introduced to Wales, before making a move to French side Toulouse in 2004.

Thomas led Wales to the 2005 Six Nations Grand Slam and was then selected to captain the British and Irish Lions on their tour to New Zealand later that year.

Affectionately nicknamed Alfie because of his resemblance to 1980s sitcom character ALF, Thomas held the record for most Welsh international tries with 40 until he was overtaken by Shane Williams in 2008.

He played his last game in a Welsh rugby union shirt in the team's 2007 World Cup loss to Fiji.

After retiring from international duties, he moved back to Wales to play for the Cardiff Blues from 2007-2010.

In 2009, Thomas announced publically that he is gay. "I don't want to be known as a gay rugby player," he said at the time. "I am a rugby player, first and foremost I am a man."

He is rumoured to be the subject of an upcoming sports movie starring Mickey Rourke.

Thomas made the switch to rugby league in 2010, signing for the Crusaders.

He suddenly announced his retirement from all forms of rugby on October 25, saying: "If you can't give 100% to rugby then you can't do it justice. This is a sad day, but I know that my time has come to an end as a player. My passion for the amazing game will never end or leave me however."