Nick McCarthy, a professional rugby player for Leinster in Ireland, has come out publicly as gay. In an interview with his team’s website, McCarthy said he considered leaving the sport as he didn’t think he could come out publicly and play professional rugby. When he talked with a couple of coaches last year, the support they showed him opened his eyes to the true state of widespread acceptance of gay athletes in sports. “The support that I got from them straight away was unbelievable,” McCarthy said. “They helped and guided me over the months that followed so that I felt more comfortable to come out to the group.”