Former Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas and boyfriend Ian Baum cover the October issue of UK gay glossy Attitude.

Thomas publicly acknowledged he's gay in 2009 and retired from professional rugby in 2011.

The 40-year-old Welshman is currently promoting his memoir, Proud, which is being published by Ebury Press.

Thomas and Baum met online roughly a year ago and are currently living together.

“It differs massively [from his former relationship with his ex-wife] because I can be myself,” Thomas said of his love for Ian. “There's not a part of me lying at all.”

“I can be totally and utterly honest with Ian. I had a great relationship with my ex-wife. I know in my heart of hearts that this is probably the rest of my life with Ian.”

“I knew deep down when I was lying before in a relationship that it could potentially blow up in my face, but with this one it feels like the final piece of the jigsaw,” he added.