Former rugby international Dan Palmer comes out as gay in a lengthy self-written column

Palmer, 32, joins former Wales winger Gareth Thomas as the only two rugby union internationals to say they are gay. Rugby referee Nigel Owens came out in 2007 during his high-profile international career.

Palmer describes his "incredibly frustrated, angry, and desperately sad" state, despite a year in 2012 where he was living out his childhood dream.

He said that although he thought he had "made it," he "fantasised about disappearing, changing my name and starting my life all over again."

Palmer said the article published on Friday was "something I have been very apprehensive about writing. I have not been forced to do this, nor do I seek the attention it may bring.

"In fact, at this point I feel like I am describing the life of a completely separate person; albeit someone that shaped who I am today, for better or worse. I don't think describing my experiences in this way is something I am obliged to do, but rather, I feel like it is something I should do, on the off chance it will help someone who finds themselves in a similar position."

After sustaining a series of injuries in 2013, Palmer signed a rugby contract with Grenoble in the French Top 14 . That's when he said his life hit rock-bottom.

"After overdosing on painkillers and waking up in a pool of the previous day's food, it was clear to me that I was rapidly self-destructing and that something had to change," the former prop wrote.

A painful conversation with a friend in London followed, but "he was the first person I told that I was gay in my 25 years on the planet. Telling him removed a weight I had been carrying for as long as I could remember."

He said he felt he wouldn't be accepted by family and friends, but feared telling them would make him look as though he had deceived them for years.

Palmer continues his involvement with rugby as a coach with Canberra’s Brumbies.

Former Australia captain David Pocock went on social media to lend his support, saying Palmer was "one of the best men I got to know and play alongside in rugby. Incredibly hard working and an actual genius."

"I believe sport is at its best when it's challenging society to be more inclusive," Pocock, who been an outspoken advocate of marriage equality and inclusiveness in general, posted with a link to Palmer's story. "A good reminder of how much more work there is to do."

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.