Sportscake™: Gareth Thomas Meets Ireland on the Mound

NEATH, WALES - OCTOBER 17: Wales player Gareth Thomas makes a point during the Rugby League Alitalia European Cup match between Wales and Ireland at the Gnoll on October 17, 2010 in Neath, Wales. (All photos this and subsequent pages by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

36-year-old Welshman Gareth Thomas is currently the only professional male athlete in a team sport who is openly gay. He now plays rugby for the Crusaders in Europe's Super League. He is also participating in the Alitalia European Cup this month as part of the Wales team. These photos are from this past Sunday's match between Wales and Ireland where Gareth and his teammates snuck a narrow 31-30 win.

Wales is considered the underdog for their match against France in the finals this Saturday. If they win, then they go on to compete next year against England, Australia and New Zealand in the 2011 Four Nations Series.

We're rooting for you, Alfie!