Mickey Rourke to watch Gareth Thomas match

Mickey Rourke is set to watch gay rugby star Gareth Thomas play in Wales this weekend as preparation for a film about the player’s life.

Rourke said last year he hoped to take Thomas’ story to the big screen, after Thomas came out as gay.

He will watch the opening round of the Engage Super League at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday.

According to ContactMusic.com, Thomas said: “Mickey is going to be there. I speak to him quite a lot and I’ve met him a few times but lately he’s appreciated that I’ve been in pre-season and he’s done his talking through the writer, who has been with me for the last four weeks, understanding a rugby player and what he goes through on and off the field.”

Rourke hopes to star as Thomas and direct the film. Recent reports said he would even have his front false teeth removed to look more like the sportsman.

Thomas, who is now with the Crusaders, added: “Mickey is probably the best actor in the world I’ve seen. He’s passionate about rugby and he’s passionate about the story. For him to show the commitment shows he’s the right person for it.”