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And reflecting on his new challenge in the 13-a-side code, Thomas insisted: "It's not for financial gain. I could have stayed where I was."

"This is a move because it is a challenge for me. Super League is a really tough sport and a lot different from Rugby Union."

Thomas has been training hard at Stansty Park and at Fitness First gym ahead of his Crusaders debut, where he is expected to start on the wing.

He said: "This is an area that is starved of sport. All the rugby is in South Wales.

"People have been asking about bringing rugby up here and now they have got it."

Thomas holds the Wales national appearance record in rugby union with 100 caps.
He also scored 40 tries for his country and captained them to the 2005 RBS Six Nations Grand Slam, their first clean sweep since 1978.

Arguably, the most dramatic moment of the former Cardiff Blues full-back's career, though, came in December last year when he revealed he was gay.

The 35 year-old told the Leader, however, that he is eager to put the past behind him and start a new life in Wrexham.

"I want to be known first and foremost as a rugby player," he said.

"I don't want just to be known for coming out. That is only a part of my life.

"I want to be successful in this team and it's a massive challenge for me.

"I think the Crusaders are going to be really popular.

"They have been more successful in the first five games here than the whole of last season."

Despite knowing that he was gay since he was 18, Thomas only recently revealed his sexuality to the world.

"I felt I had the strength to do it," he said. "I'm comfortable in myself and I'm comfortable in my team.

"I lived in a stereotypical world that rugby players were these tough guys who were married.

"This is a great sport and now there is greater acceptance.

"People can only come out if they are confident in themselves. I did it because it was right for me.

"I know the world is not perfect and there will be people out there who will be negative but I can take it.

"I'm lucky I was able to say what I wanted to say - it's a free country."

Thomas says he has not had any negative comments towards him and he just wants to focus on his playing.

Thomas was married to Jemma between 2002 and 2006 and they lived in Bridgend, South Wales. The pair, who divorced in 2007, went through a traumatic time together including Thomas suffering a stroke and Jemma having three miscarriages.

"I loved her, I took my vows and I married her with the intention of being with her for the rest of my life," Thomas said.

"We went through so much turmoil together and I was contemplating my life and future."

Thomas, who is currently living at the Ramada Hotel in Wrexham, says he is still best friends with Jemma, who is very supportive of his career.