Rourke is 'perfect for gay rugby player role'

Thomas came out in 2009 in what he said was a bid to highlight the homophobia he claimed was rampant in the sporting world.

He said he was going to Los Angeles this month to finish work on the script of the film inspired by his life.

Thomas, who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year, denied reports that Rourke would be replaced by Tom Hardy.

He said: "Any notion that Mickey is giving up on the role are way off the mark.

"I teamed up with Mickey because in my opinion there's nobody better to take on such a challenging role."

hnews@herald.ie