'I contemplated walking away from rugby' - Leinster scrum-half Nick McCarthy speaks about sexuality

Leinster scrum-half Nick McCarthy has spoken publicly about his sexuality for the first time, the 27-year-old saying he contemplated retiring from rugby before coming out as gay.

In an interview on the Leinster Rugby website, McCarthy detailed how he came out to his teammates in January having discussed the subject with coaches Leo Cullen and Stuart Lancaster in November.

The scrum half spoke of his apprehension prior to coming out to his teammates but said his experience afterwards had been "entirely positive", hailing his coaches and teammates for their support.

"I came out to my teammates in January and I was obviously pretty nervous about doing so," said McCarthy.

"But I'm really happy that I did it. I struggled with coming out for a while and it was starting to impact on me and my happiness so it was the right decision.

"It affected me so much that I agonised over my future and contemplated walking away from rugby altogether because I just didn’t think I could come out while playing rugby.

"But, I spoke to Leo (Cullen) and Stuart (Lancaster) last November and the support that I got from them straight away was unbelievable. They helped and guided me over the months that followed so that I felt more comfortable to come out to the group.

"When I suppose because it’s not really 'a thing’. It’s not common for a male athlete to come out in sport, never mind professional rugby, and it’s probably something that I didn’t want to believe or accept myself either.

"I needed to accept being gay myself before I could address it with others. I have great friends in rugby but I didn't know how they would take it.

"My experience, since coming out though has been entirely positive. I have realised that anyone who cares about you, just wants